How to Become a Notary in Maryland 2026: Complete MD Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Maryland

Maryland does not require a traditional exam to become a notary public. However, as of October 1, 2021, all new applicants must complete a Course of Study and pass an examination, while renewal applicants must complete a Course of Study. Maryland also requires State Senator approval of your application, making it unique among states.

Maryland Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Maryland Notary?

• No bond required - Lower startup costs
• 4-year commission - Long commission term
• RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization available since October 2020
• Set fee structure - Clear maximum fees ($4 per act)
• Growing demand - Constant need for notary services in the DMV area

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Maryland Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Maryland notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good moral character and integrity
• Be a resident of Maryland OR have a permanent place of work or practice in Maryland
• Out-of-state residents may qualify if their home state permits Maryland residents to serve as notaries (reciprocity)

Step 2: Complete the Course of Study

As of October 1, 2021, all new notary applicants must complete an approved Course of Study:

Course Requirements:

• Complete a Secretary of State-approved education course
• Pass the examination at the end of the course
• Course must be completed before submitting your application
• Cost: Varies by provider (approximately $50-$100)

Course Content Includes:

• Maryland notary laws and regulations
• Duties and responsibilities of a notary public
• Proper notarial procedures and certificate requirements
• Identity verification methods
• Journal and record-keeping requirements

Step 3: Order the Maryland Notary Handbook

Before applying, order the official Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public from the Secretary of State. This is a required resource for understanding your duties.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Apply online through the Maryland OneStop portal:

1. Create an account on Maryland OneStop
2. Complete the Notary Commission Application
3. Upload your education course completion certificate
4. Pay the $25 application fee

Important: Your application will be sent to your State Senator for endorsement. This is a unique Maryland requirement.

Step 5: Await Senator Endorsement

After submitting your application:

• It goes to the State Senator of your district for approval
• Out-of-state applicants are reviewed by a designated Maryland senator
• Senator endorsement is required before approval

Step 6: Take the Oath of Office

Once approved by the Secretary of State:

• You have 30 days to take the Oath of Office
• Appear in person at your Circuit Court Clerk's office (in the county of your commission)
• Pay the $11 clerk fee ($10 commission fee + $1 state registration fee)

Important: Failure to qualify within 30 days revokes your commission.

Step 7: Purchase Notary Supplies

After completing the oath, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal (Required):

• Embosser or rubber ink stamp
• Must be clear and photographically reproducible
• Cost: $20-$50

Required Seal Information:

• Your name exactly as commissioned
• County (or Baltimore City) of commission
• May include decorative symbols
• Must show notary's jurisdiction

Notary Journal/Register (Required):

• Maryland requires a "fair register" of all notarial acts
• May be bound paper or secure electronic format
• Must retain and provide copies if requested
• Cost: $15-$40

Maryland Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Maryland has a clear $4.00 maximum per notarial act
• RON fees are also subject to this cap, though platform fees may be additional
• You may charge less than the maximum or waive fees entirely

Maryland-Specific Requirements

Seal Requirements

Your Maryland notary seal must meet specific requirements:

Format Options:

• Embosser (raised impression)
• Rubber ink stamp

Required Information:

• Your name exactly as on your commission
• County (or Baltimore City) of commission
• May include decorative symbols
• Must clearly show your jurisdiction

Certificate Requirement:

• Each notarization certificate must include your commission expiration date
• Example format: "My commission expires: [date]"

Journal/Register Requirements (Mandatory)

Maryland requires all notaries to maintain a "fair register" (journal) of all notarial acts:

Required Journal Entries:

• Date and time of the notarial act
• Signer's name and address
• Type of notarization performed
• Document details/description
• Fees charged

Journal Format:

• May be bound paper journal
• May be secure electronic format
• Must be prepared to furnish copies if requested

Retention:

• Must retain journals for at least 10 years

Education and Examination Requirements

New Applicants (since October 1, 2021):

• Must complete an approved Course of Study
• Must pass an examination at the end of the course

Renewal Applicants:

• Must complete a Course of Study (no exam required for renewals)

Senator Endorsement

Maryland is unique in requiring State Senator approval:

• Your application is reviewed by the State Senator of your district
• Out-of-state applicants are reviewed by a designated Maryland senator
• This adds time to the application process

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Maryland

Maryland authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON) effective October 1, 2020, under Senate Bill 678.

Becoming a Maryland Remote Notary

To perform RON in Maryland:

1. Hold a valid Maryland notary commission in good standing
2. Complete an approved remote notary training program
3. Obtain a digital certificate for electronic signing
4. Submit a Remote Notary Notification Form to the Secretary of State
5. Select type(s) of remote notary services:
   • Using an authorized RON vendor platform, AND/OR
   • Using other communication technology

RON Authorized Vendors

Maryland maintains a list of authorized RON vendors on the Secretary of State website. You must use an approved platform for standard RON services.

RON Technology Requirements

• Reliable computer or tablet with webcam
• Stable internet connection
• Secure remote notarization platform complying with Maryland regulations
• Digital certificate for electronic signing

RON Training Requirements

Remote notaries must complete a training course covering:

• Remote notarization technology and procedures
• Identity verification methods
• Electronic record-keeping
• Maryland-specific RON regulations

RON Fee Cap

• Maryland's $4.00 maximum applies to RON as well
• Platform fees may be charged separately by the vendor
• Additional charges may apply depending on service providers

Types of RON Permitted

Maryland allows remote online notarization for:

• Acknowledgments
• Jurats
• Oaths or affirmations

Total Cost to Become a Maryland Notary

Note: Maryland does NOT require a surety bond, reducing startup costs.

For RON (additional):

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Note: Senator endorsement can add significant time to the process.

Renewing Your Maryland Commission

Maryland notary commissions are valid for 4 years.

Renewal Process:

• Renewal period begins 60 days before your commission expires
• You may renew up to 30 days after your expiration date
• Complete an approved Course of Study (no exam for renewals)
• Submit renewal application
• Pay the $25 SOS fee and $11 clerk fee

Important Notes:

• If you don't renew within 30 days after expiration, you must re-apply as a new notary
• New applicants (after a lapsed commission) must complete the course AND exam
• Purchase a new seal with your updated expiration date

Special Considerations

State Senator Endorsement

Maryland's unique requirement for Senator endorsement means:

• Processing takes longer than most states
• Political factors typically don't affect approval
• Contact your Senator's office if you experience delays

No Bond Required

Maryland does not require a surety bond for notaries. However:

• Consider obtaining Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for liability protection
• Many national bonding companies offer E&O coverage

Journal Retention

Maryland requires maintaining a journal (register) and retaining it for at least 10 years:

• Must provide copies if requested
• Serves as evidence of proper notarization
• Required for both traditional and electronic notarizations

Out-of-State Applicants

If you live outside Maryland but work in the state:

• Your home state must have reciprocity with Maryland
• You must have a permanent place of work or practice in Maryland
• A designated Maryland senator reviews your application

30-Day Oath Deadline

After SOS approval, you have exactly 30 days to:

• Appear in person at your Circuit Court Clerk's office
• Take the Oath of Office
• Pay the $11 clerk fee

Failure to meet this deadline revokes your commission, and you must start the process over.

Start Your Maryland Notary Career Today

Maryland offers a solid path to becoming a notary public with no bond requirement and clear fee structures. While the education requirement and Senator endorsement add steps, the 4-year commission term and RON authorization make Maryland an excellent state for building a notary business in the greater DMV area.

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