How to Become a Notary in Maryland
Learn about Maryland notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Maryland law.
Maryland requires completion of a 4-hour education course approved by the Secretary of State and passage of an exam before commissioning. Notary Mentor is supplementary only and does not satisfy the state-mandated education or exam requirement.
Maryland Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Maryland.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Maryland law (SG § 18-114) requires every notary to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Each entry must include the date and time of the act, the type of notarial act, a description of the document, ...
Fees & Seals
Maryland notary fees are capped at $4.00 per notarial act (SG § 18-113). The notary seal must include the notary's name, 'Notary Public,' 'State of Maryland,' and the commission expiration date. A pho...
Key Topics Covered for Maryland
Master these essential areas of Maryland notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under Maryland State Government Article § 18-110, a notary taking an acknowledgment must determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, that the signer is the person ...
Journals & Records
Maryland law (SG § 18-114) requires every notary to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Each entry must include the date and time of the act, the type of notarial act, a descripti...
Identity Verification
Maryland notaries must verify a signer's identity through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, which includes a government-issued photo ID that is current or expired within...
RON Specifics
Maryland enacted RON legislation effective October 1, 2020 (SG § 18-401 et seq.). Notaries must register with the Secretary of State and use an approved technology platform. Audio-...
Prohibited Acts
Maryland notaries may not notarize their own signature, act when they have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction (SG § 18-109), use an altered seal or certif...
Fees & Seals
Maryland notary fees are capped at $4.00 per notarial act (SG § 18-113). The notary seal must include the notary's name, 'Notary Public,' 'State of Maryland,' and the commission ex...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Maryland
Mistakes that Maryland notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Failing to maintain a journal entry for every notarial act, which is mandatory in Maryland.
Notarizing a document when the signer has not personally appeared before the notary.
Charging more than the statutory maximum of $4.00 per notarial act.
Using an expired commission seal or failing to update the seal after renewal.
Performing RON without proper registration with the Secretary of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Maryland.
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