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
What makes Maryland distinctive
- Maryland does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Maryland does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
- Maryland requires a notary journal for every official act — only 17 of 50 states do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Maryland does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
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
Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
MD Code, State Government Article, Title 18
Notarial Acts
MD Code § 18-101 et seq.
Notaries Public (Subtitle 1 - traditional framework, pre-October 1, 2020)
MD Code § 18-201 et seq.
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) - applies to acts performed on/after October 1, 2020
MD Code § 18-102
Qualifications; Instruction and Examination
MD Code § 18-103
Application; term; renewal, revocation, reinstatement; fees; and forms
MD Code § 18-107
Notary fees and travel expenses
MD Code § 18-108
Seal requirements (Subtitle 1)
MD Code § 18-111
Limits on taking acknowledgments or protests
MD Code § 18-203
Performance of notarial act
MD Code § 18-206
Personal knowledge standards
MD Code § 18-214
Performance of act using communication technology for remotely located individual (RON)
MD Code § 18-216
Seal requirements (RULONA)
MD Code § 18-219
Journal requirements (RULONA)
MD Code § 18-223
Electronic notarizations
MD Code § 18-224
Restrictions on authority conferred by commission
MD Code § 2-406
Marriage solemnization (notaries NOT authorized)
COMAR Title 01, Subtitle 02, Chapter 01.02.08
Remote Notary Regulations
COMAR 01.02.08.02
Charges and fees
COMAR 01.02.08.07
Obligations of notaries public who perform remote notarial acts
Senate Bill 678 (2019)
Permanent RON authorization - signed May 2019, effective October 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Maryland?
A Maryland notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Maryland?
Maryland charges $25 as the application fee to the Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Maryland require a notary bond?
No. Maryland does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Maryland notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Maryland does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Maryland notaries use?
Maryland notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Maryland cap notary fees?
Yes. Maryland sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. $8 per signature on original or first copy of record; $4 per signature on each additional copy of same record (increased from $6/$4 effective Jan 22, 2024); $30 per remote notarial act (increased from $25 effective Jan 22, 2024); Photocopies/reproductions: not more than $2 per copy; Travel expenses: prevailing IRS mileage rate + travel fee not exceeding $5; Journal certification: $6 for certifying copy of record in notary's journal; Fees are MAXIMUM amounts; notary not required to charge; may not charge more than statutory maximum
Who regulates notaries in Maryland?
Maryland notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Maryland authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Maryland authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Maryland notaries perform?
Maryland notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Maryland?
Start your application through the Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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