This guide summarizes Maryland’s requirements for becoming a notary public, renewing a commission, and performing notarial acts (including remote online notarizations), based on official Maryland sources as of May 2025.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process for New Notary Commission
- Surety Bond Requirement
- Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
- Oath of Office and Commission Recording
- Commission Term and Expiration
- Commission Renewal Process
- Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Official Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet these criteria:
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Age and Character: At least 18 years old; of good moral character and integrity.
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Residency/Employment: Maryland resident OR have a permanent place of work/practice in Maryland. (Out-of-state residents may qualify if their home state permits MD residents to serve as notaries reciprocally).
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Legislative Appointment: Application must be approved by the State Senator of your district (or designated MD senator for out-of-state applicants).
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Education and Exam: (Effective Oct 1, 2021) All new and renewing applicants must complete an SOS-approved notary course and pass an exam.
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Background: No disqualifying convictions or civil judgments. SOS conducts a criminal background check.
Get a notary stamp that meets Maryland’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.
Application Process for New Notary Commission
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Order Official Handbook ($30): Obtain from SOS website; review thoroughly.
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Complete Course and Exam: Enroll in and pass an SOS-authorized notary education course and examination. Obtain Certificates of Completion and Passing for upload.
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Locate Senator/Legislative District: Use MD General Assembly’s lookup tool.
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Submit Online Application and Fee: Via Maryland SOS portal. Pay nonrefundable $25 application fee. Upload course/exam certificates.
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SOS Review and Senatorial Approval: SOS reviews, runs background check, forwards to State Senator for approval. References may be contacted.
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Final Approval and Oath (within 30 days of notification): If approved, SOS emails instructions. Appear in person at Circuit Court Clerk’s office (county/Baltimore City of commission). Take oath, pay Clerk’s fees ($10 commission + $1 registration). Clerk issues commission (often emailed).
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Failure to qualify within 30 days voids commission; reapplication and fees needed.
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Surety Bond Requirement
No surety bond is required for Maryland notaries.
Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
Official Seal/Stamp: Mandatory; authenticates notarial acts. Embosser or ink stamp acceptable.
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Content:
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Notary’s name (exactly as on commission).
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“Notary Public.”
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County (or Baltimore City) of commission.
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May include decorative symbols. Must show notary's jurisdiction.
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Expiration Date on Certificates: Each notarization certificate must include commission expiration date (e.g., “My commission expires: [date]”).
Notary Journal (Register): Mandatory; "fair register" of all notarial acts. Bound paper or secure electronics.
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Entries: Date/time, signer name/address, type of notarization, document details, fees. Furnish copies if requested.
Oath of Office and Commission Recording
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Oath of Office: Taken in person at Circuit Court Clerk’s office (county of commission) within 30 days of SOS approval notification.
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Clerk Fees & Recording: Pay $10 commission fee + $1 state registration fee to Clerk. Clerk administers oath, records name/address/expiration in court records, and delivers commission certificate.
Failure to qualify within 30 days revokes commission.
Commission Term and Expiration
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Term Length: Four (4) years.
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Expiration: Certificate and seal show expiration. Certificates must note this date.
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Notification: SOS sends renewal notice prior to expiration. Renewal allowed up to 90 days before expiration.
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Lapse: If expired without renewal, cannot notarize until recommissioned.
Commission Renewal Process
Similar to the new application.
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Handbook & Course/Exam: Order current Handbook. Complete approved renewal course and pass the exam.
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Submit Online Renewal Application ($25): Via SOS portal. Upload course completion certificate.
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SOS Review/Approval: Background check, Senatorial approval.
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Clerk Qualification & Fees (within 30 days of approval): Appear at Circuit Court Clerk, pay $10 + $1 fees, take renewal oath.
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Receive New Commission: Valid for next 4-year term.
Failure to renew timely (qualify within 30 days post-approval) revokes commission; must reapply as new.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Maryland
Permitted under State Government Article §18-214.
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Identity Verification: Satisfactory proof via personal knowledge, credible witness, OR remote credential analysis + identity proofing (e.g., ID scan + KBA).
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Audio-Visual Recording: Act conducted via two-way audio-visual tech and recorded. Record must be kept.
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Notarial Certificate: Must state signer "remotely located" and act done via communication technology.
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Registration Process: Submit Remote Notary Notification Form online (SOS portal, no paper). Select SOS-authorized RON vendor(s). SOS emails confirmation.
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Authorized Vendor List: Maintained by SOS. Notaries must use an approved vendor.
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Technology: Secure, approved audio-visual tech recording session. Notary uses digital signature/e-seal.
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Allowed Acts: Most acts (acknowledgments, oaths). Check latest SOS guidance for specific exclusions (historically, Wills/Trusts excluded from general e-notarization).
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RON Fee: Same as in-person (up to $5 per act).
Official Resources
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SOS – Notary Public Division: sos.maryland.gov/notary (FAQs, forms, instructions).
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Notary Handbook: Order via SOS site ($30).
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Online Services Portal: mdsos2.my.site.com (applications, renewals, RON registration).
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Authorized RON Vendors & Course Providers Lists: PDFs on SOS site.
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Legislative District Lookup: Via MD General Assembly site (linked from SOS).
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Contact SOS Notary Division: 16 Francis St., Annapolis, MD 21401; Phone (410) 974-5521.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I apply to become a notary public in Maryland?
A: Complete SOS-approved education/exam, order Handbook, apply online via MD OneStop portal, pay $25 fee. Application goes to the state senator for endorsement. If approved, take oath at Circuit Court Clerk within 30 days (pay ~$11 clerk fees).
Q: What is the term length for a Maryland notary commission?
A: Four years. Renew before expiration to avoid lapse.
Q: Is a notary seal required in Maryland?
A: Yes. Must include name, "Notary Public," and county/Baltimore City of commission. Commission expiration must be on each notarial certificate.
Q: Can I perform remote online notarizations in Maryland?
A: Yes, if registered as a Remote Notary with SOS and using an SOS-approved RON vendor. Requires training, specific ID verification, and A/V recording.
Q: Do I need to maintain a journal of notarial acts?
A: Yes, a "fair register" (journal) of all notarial acts is required (bound paper or secure electronic).
Q: What should I do if my commission expires?
A: If within 30 days post-expiration, may attempt renewal via OneStop. If over 30 days, must reapply as a new (full initial process). Stop notarizing immediately upon expiration until recommissioned.
Q: Can I notarize documents outside of Maryland?
A: No. Maryland notary authority is valid only within Maryland state borders.
Q: What identification is acceptable for notarizations?
A: Government-issued IDs with photo and signature (e.g., driver's license, passport) or other forms with signature/photo. Notaries must be satisfied with validity and match.
Q: Are there fees for notarization services?
A: Yes, Maryland law sets maximum fees (typically up to $5 per act). Notaries must not exceed these and should inform clients.
Q: How do I update my name or address on my notary commission?
A: Notify SOS within 30 days via online portal. For name change, supporting documentation needed. An updated commission is not automatically issued for address change, but records are updated.
Always rely on official Maryland SOS resources for the most current information.