D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-2401
If the applicant fulfills the requirements for a notary public commission or an electronic notary endorsement, ONCA shall approve the application and issue the notary public commission or endorsement.
An applicant for a new notary public commission or a renewal of a notary public commission from ONCA shall not, except to the extent authorized by Section 10 of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 1-1231.09) or federal law, perform any notarial acts before taking the oath of office for a new or renewed commission.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 10(a)(2) and (3) of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 1-1231.09(a)(2) and (3)), no individual may perform notarial acts with respect to a tangible or electronic record before receiving a notary public commission and, for performing notarial acts, the appropriate endorsement from ONCA unless the notary has authority to do so pursuant to a statute other than the Act or a regulation outside this chapter.
ONCA may deny a commission or endorsement if the applicant fails to comply with this chapter or does not meet the application requirements.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-2401