Applicants can become a Maryland Notary Public by taking the following steps:
- Meet your state's qualifications.
- Take a training course and pass an exam.
- Complete the application online.
- Have your application endorsed.
- Take your oath at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
About the Maryland Notary Process
The term of a Maryland Notary commission is four years.
Cost to Become an MD Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Maryland ranges between $110 to $178, depending on where you purchase your Notary supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$25 |
| Notary training |
$25 - $68 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$110 - $178 |
Commission Processing Time
The Maryland Secretary of State recommends allowing four to six weeks to process a Notary Public commission application.
Maryland Notary Public Requirements
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Maryland must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be known of good moral character, integrity and abilities
- Reside in or have a place of employment or practice in Maryland
Provide three references to attest to your character. They cannot be family members or employers. Maryland residents are preferred.
Notary Training
Applicants must take a Notary training course approved by the Secretary of State and pass an exam. The course will cover Notary laws, regulations and ethics relevant to notarial acts.
Maryland also provides a Notary Public Handbook that outlines the proper procedures for notarizing a document and makes for a great reference.
Application
Complete the Notary Public Application online. You’ll need the following when completing your application:
- Legislative district where you reside
- Copy of your driver’s license or other valid government-issued ID
- MVA Change of Address Card
- Contact information for three references
- Copy of the certificate of course completion
- Copy of the certificate of exam passing
For more information, visit the Maryland SOS website.
Endorsement
The Division will forward your application to your state senator for endorsement.
If the senator approves, your application will be returned to the Secretary of State whereupon your appointment will be made upon approval by the Governor. They will send your Notary commission to the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office.
Oath of Office
The Secretary of State's office will email you to appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office to take your oath and pay the $11 fee. This step must be completed within 30 days.
Your commission certificate will then be emailed to you.
Notary Supplies
Maryland Notaries are required to get an official stamp and journal.
The stamp may be an embosser or inked rubber stamp, and it must contain the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your office
- The county in which you reside or were qualified
- Your commission expiration date (optional)
- Any other information required by the Secretary of State
Your commission expiration date may be included in your seal or on a certificate of the notarial act you complete and sign. In addition, the Notary stamp must be capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached.
You may only maintain one journal at a time. Journals may be in a paper or electronic format. The Secretary of State requires paper-bound journals to feature numbered pages and electronic journals to be tamper-evident and compliant with SOS regulations. You must store all journals for 10 years after the performance of the last notarial act.
Maryland Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about Notaries in Maryland? We have your answers.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Maryland Office of Secretary of State, Notary Division, located in Annapolis, MD, issues Notary Public commissions.
Maryland Secretary of State
16 Francis St.
Annapolis, MD 21401
May I become a Maryland Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Maryland Notary Public. You must, however, be a legal resident of the state or work in the state legally and meet all other application requirements.
Is a surety bond required?
Maryland Notaries are not required to purchase a surety bond.
Notaries can insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing a separate, optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Maryland Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public except for yourself or your spouse, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. Any notarial acts in which you or your spouse have a direct beneficial interest will not be allowed.
The SOS recommends refraining from any notarial acts where you are personally involved in—directly or indirectly. You should also refrain from notarizing documents for immediate family members.
What fees can MD Notaries charge for notarizations?
Maryland Notaries may charge a maximum fee of $8 per notarial act. An additional fee for travel may be charged for mileage established by the Internal Revenue Service but cannot exceed $5.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
You must notify the Secretary of State and the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County, or Baltimore City—depending upon where you were appointed—of the address or name change within 30 days.
- Address changes: Update your address online.
- Name changes: You can keep using the name on your commission until your term expires. In this case, the SOS recommends using the form "New Name, commissioned as Prior Name."
You also have the option to get a new commission altogether under your new name by visiting this page and paying a fee to the Secretary of State.
Appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court to be sworn in and pay the filing fee. When your new commission is issued, your previous one will be canceled.
What is the process for renewing my commission as a Maryland Notary?
Approximately two months before your commission expires, the Secretary of State will notify you. To renew your Maryland Notary commission:
- Complete a Notary training course.
- Complete the form online. Include an electronic image of your course completion certificate and $25 fee.
- Appear and pay the fees to the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office.
The last step must be done within 30 days of your commission being approved otherwise your commission may be revoked.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Maryland?
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Last updated: Jan 27, 2025