Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$25
Issuing Authority
Appointed by: Governor of Maryland (on approval of State Senator from applicant's senatorial district); Administered by: Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Public Division
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free Tier Acknowledgment
Authorized
Jurat
Authorized
Oath / Affirmation
Authorized
Affidavit
Authorized
Deposition
Authorized
Protest
Authorized
Copy Certification
Authorized
Bills in Chancery
— Not authorized
Witnessing
Authorized
Safe Deposit Box
— Not authorized
Advanced Services
Pro Tier Remote Online Notarization
Authorized
Marriage Solemnization
— Not authorized
eNotarization
Authorized
Electronic Copy Cert.
— Not authorized
Identity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Maryland authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- Senatorial Approval Process - UNIQUE: Notary applications must be approved by State Senator from applicant's senatorial district before Governor appointment
- Two-Step Commissioning with Strict Deadline - Must appear IN PERSON at Circuit Court Clerk within 30 days to take oath; failure = automatic revocation
- No Surety Bond for Traditional Notaries - Unlike most states, MD does NOT require bond for traditional notaries; RON notaries DO require $25,000 bond
- 'Fair Register' Terminology - Maryland historically used 'fair register' instead of 'journal'; term still in use alongside 'journal'
- Very Limited Copy Certification Authority - MD notaries can ONLY certify copies of their own journal entries; cannot certify most other documents
Regulatory Authority
Appointed by: Governor of Maryland (on approval of State Senator from applicant's senatorial district); Administered by: Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Public Division
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