District Of Columbia § 42-141 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 42-141 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-141. Definitions.
42-141For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
“Acknowledgment” means a declaration by a person that states:
The person has executed an instrument for the purposes stated in the instrument; and
If the instrument is executed in a representative capacity, that the person signed the instrument with proper authority and executed the instrument as the act of the person or entity represented and identified in the instrument.
“District” means the District of Columbia.
“In a representative capacity” means to act as:
An authorized officer, agent, partner, trustee, or other representative for and on behalf of a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity;
A public officer, personal representative, guardian, or other representative, in the capacity recited in the instrument;
An attorney in fact for a principal; or
An authorized representative of another in any other capacity.
“Notarial act” means taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, noting a protest of a negotiable instrument, or any other similar act authorized by law.
“Notarial officer” means a notary public or other officer authorized to perform a notarial act.
“Verification upon oath or affirmation” means a declaration that a statement made by a person upon oath or affirmation is a true statement.
Annotations
Application of 8-205: Section 10 of provided that the act shall apply to any notary act performed on or after the effective date of this act.
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 1 of the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.
Section 11 of provided that the act shall be applied and construed to effectuate the general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of the act among jurisdictions enacting it.
Construction of Law 8-205
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 42-141
What does D.C. Code § 42-141 cover?
Section 42-141 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 42-141?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 42-141" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 42-141 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.