The Office of the Secretary provides protocol, authentication and public records management services to the Mayor and District government agencies.  In addition to managing the District of Columbia's Archives, commissioning all District of Columbia Notaries Public, and publishing the District of Columbia Register and the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR), the Office of the Secretary is responsible for maintaining official records of mayoral actions, receiving legal process for actions against the Mayor, and preparing executive orders, proclamations, directives, and administrative issuances.

The Secretary of the District of Columbia, Dr. Stephanie D. Scott, is responsible for authenticating proper use of the Seal of the District of Columbia and she attests to the authenticity of official records, bond documents, and documents of the executive branch. The Secretary also serves as the Chief Protocol Officer of the District.