How to Become a Notary in the State of Maryland

Would you like the title of notary public in the state of Maryland? The information below will guide you step-by-step through the process of becoming a Maryland notary.

To become a Maryland notary, a notary applicant must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be either (a) living in the state of Maryland or (b) working in the state of Maryland and a resident of a state that allows Maryland residents who are working in that state to serve as a notaries public in that state.
3. Be of known good character and integrity.

If you meet the above qualifications, you can apply to become a Maryland notary by:

1. Learning the duties and responsibilities of a notary public and how to properly perform notarial acts.
2. Starting an online notary application on the Maryland Secretary of State's website.
3. Gathering personal information from three references (non-family members or your employer) who can be contacted to attest to your character.
4. Uploading a copy of your driver's license or a valid government-issued ID.
5. Paying the $9.00 application fee and the $2.00 service fee to have your online notary application processed.
6. Waiting for an email notification indicating that you should appear before the clerk of the circuit court of the county (or Baltimore City) in which you reside.
7. Paying the clerk the $10.00 commission fee and $1.00 registration fee to take the oath of office and have your Maryland notary public commission certificate issued to you.

How can I start the Maryland notary application process to become a Maryland notary?

To become a Maryland notary, please follow the instructions listed in the previous section. Click here for more information on how to become a Maryland notary, and read our Maryland law section. More information can be found at the Maryland Secretary of State's website.

How do I renew my Maryland notary commission?

Renewing your Maryland notary commission requires you to take the same steps as applying for a Maryland notary commission for the first time, but you don't have to provide the three references. A new application should be started before your notary commission's expiration date to ensure uninterrupted authority.

When can I renew my Maryland notary commission?

You can renew your Maryland notary commission up to sixty days before or up to thirty days after your commission expiration date.

How much does it cost to become a Maryland notary?

To become a Maryland notary, you must pay a $9.00 application fee and $2.00 service fee to have your online notary application processed. After your application is approved, to have the oath of office administered and your Maryland notary public commission certificate issued, you must pay a $10.00 commission fee and $1.00 registration fee to the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which you reside. You will also need a Maryland notary stamp or notary seal and Maryland notary record book (prices will vary depending on the items you select). Please visit https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/notary-stamps/maryland/ for notary stamps and supplies.

How long does it take to become a Maryland notary public?

The time it takes to become a Maryland notary varies from applicant to applicant. You will need to learn the duties and responsibilities of a notary public and how to properly perform notarial acts. Additionally, to become a Maryland notary, you will have to complete an online notary application and, after having your application approved, take the oath of office with the clerk of the circuit court. Online notary applications completed at the Maryland's Secretary of State website are approved within four to six weeks.

How long does a Maryland notary commission last?

A Maryland notary term lasts four years. To verify when your term begins and ends, you'll have to look at the effective and expiration dates on your Maryland notary public commission certificate that was issued to you by the clerk of the circuit court of the county (or Baltimore City) in which you reside. To continue performing notarial acts as a Maryland notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your commission before your notary term expires. Please click here to renew your commission.

Do I need to purchase a Maryland notary bond?

The state of Maryland doesn't require an applicant to submit or maintain a notary bond to become a Maryland notary.

Do I need to purchase a Maryland notary errors and omissions (E&O) policy?

The Maryland notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is optional but highly recommended.

Do I need to purchase a Maryland notary stamp? What notary supplies do I need when I become a Maryland notary?

When becoming a Maryland notary, to perform notarial acts in the state of Maryland, you need at a minimum a Maryland notary stamp or a notary seal and a Maryland notary record book. A notary record book is sometimes called a journal or registry of official acts. A Maryland notary stamp or notary seal must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Make a raised impression or inked impression on paper.
2. Include the name of the notary as shown on his or her Maryland notary public commission certificate.
3. Include the county (or City of Baltimore) in which the notary was appointed.
4. Include the words "Notary Public."

Please note the Maryland Secretary of State requires on each act, instrument, or attestation the notary's printed name, signature, date of notarization, and the expiration date of his or her notary commission. The notary's notary seal or notary stamp may contain a symbol or device chosen by the notary public, although this is not required and not normally done. The seal or stamp may also include the notary's commission expiration date.

How do I order a Maryland notary stamp and record book?

Please go to https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/notary-stamps/maryland/ to order your Maryland notary supplies. All our notary stamps and notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in house, and are shipped in one business day.

How can I train to become a Maryland notary?

The Maryland Secretary of State's website https://sos.maryland.gov/Notary/Pages/Duties.aspx lists the duties and responsibilities of a Maryland notary and offers a downloadable handbook to help aspiring notaries learn the proper procedures for notarizing a document.

Click here to learn more about how to become a Maryland notary.