How to Become a Notary in Maryland: Application, Course and Fees

Becoming a notary public in Maryland is a straightforward process, but it requires you to complete several specific steps outlined by the Maryland Secretary of State. A notary commission carries a four-year term, and you'll need to complete a course of study, pass an exam, and submit your application before you can begin notarizing documents. This guide walks you through every step so you know exactly what to expect, what it costs, and how long it takes.

Who Can Become a Notary in Maryland

Maryland has minimal eligibility requirements for notary applicants. You must be at least 18 years old and meet the Maryland residency or employment requirement. Confirm the current eligibility rules with the Secretary of State Notary Division. You do not need prior experience or a specific educational background, though you should be comfortable understanding legal documents and following state regulations. If you have been convicted of a felony, contact the Secretary of State Notary Division before applying, as criminal history may affect your eligibility.

What You Need Before Applying

Before you start the application process, gather these materials:

• A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Proof of Maryland residency, if the application asks for it
• Your Social Security number
• Email address (for correspondence with the Secretary of State)
• Payment method for the application fee (credit card or online payment)
• Completion certificate from an SOS-approved notary course
• Passing exam score (you'll take this as part of or after the course)

Step 1: Complete a Required Course of Study

Since October 1, 2021, all new notary applicants in Maryland must complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State. This is a mandatory step and you cannot skip it. The course covers Maryland notary law, ethical responsibilities, proper procedures, and common mistakes to avoid.

You can find a list of SOS-approved course providers on the Maryland Secretary of State website. Course length and price vary by provider, so compare the approved providers before you enroll. Look for courses that explicitly state they are approved by the Maryland Secretary of State, as only approved courses satisfy the requirement.

At the end of the course, you will receive a completion certificate. Keep this document, as you'll need to submit it with your application. The certificate proves you have met the education requirement.

Step 2: Pass the Notary Exam

After completing the course, you must pass an exam administered by the course provider or the Secretary of State. The exam tests your knowledge of Maryland notary law and procedures. Topics include verifying signer identity, taking oaths and affirmations, and understanding the limits of notarial authority.

Exam format, passing score, retake rules and any retake fee depend on the provider or the Secretary of State, so confirm them before you sit for the exam. If you fail, ask about the retake process. Once you pass, the provider will issue you an exam completion certificate or score report. Save this document.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials

Gather your application documents before you sit down to fill out the form. The portal lists what it actually requires, and items often include:

• Your course completion certificate
• Your exam passing score or certificate
• A copy of your photo ID
• A copy of your Maryland residency proof
• Confirmation that you meet all eligibility requirements

Double-check that all documents are current and legible. Blurry or expired documents can delay processing.

Step 4: Submit Your Application to the Secretary of State

Applications are filed with the Maryland Secretary of State, not your local county. Visit the Maryland Secretary of State website and look for the Notary Division application portal. The application is completed online through the SOS website.

The form asks for your personal information, contact details, employment information, and confirmation that you have completed the required course and passed the exam. Follow the portal's instructions for any course or exam documents it asks you to submit. Take your time filling out the form and review it carefully before submitting, as errors can cause delays.

Read the application instructions carefully and follow any attestations the portal asks for.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee is charged by the Secretary of State when you submit your application online. According to secondary sources, the SOS application fee is approximately $9, plus a $2 online service fee, for a total around $11. However, these fees are listed as unverified. Confirm the current total application fee with the Maryland Secretary of State Notary Division before submitting your application, as fees can change. The SOS website should display the exact amount when you reach the payment step.

Payment is typically accepted by credit card or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number and receipt after payment is processed. Keep this receipt for your records.

Step 6: Take the Oath of Office

After the Secretary of State approves your application, you must take an oath of office before a clerk of the circuit court in your county. This oath formally swears you in as a notary public and is required by Maryland law.

Contact the clerk of the circuit court in the Maryland county where you reside. The clerk's office will tell you when and where to take the oath. It typically happens at the courthouse and takes only a few minutes. The clerk charges an $11 fee for administering the oath. This fee is separate from the SOS application fee.

Bring your SOS approval notice and a valid photo ID when you go to take the oath. After the oath is administered, the clerk will provide you with a signed and sealed oath document. This is proof that you completed this requirement.

Step 7: Receive Your Official Commission

Once the Secretary of State receives confirmation that you took the oath, your official notary commission certificate will be mailed to you. This certificate is your license to notarize documents in Maryland and is valid for four years from the date of issuance. Keep it in a safe place.

Some notaries frame their commission certificate and display it in their office. Others keep it in a secure file. Either way, know where it is and protect it from damage or loss.

Do not begin notarizing until you have taken the oath and your commission is in effect. Confirm your start date with the Secretary of State Notary Division.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Maryland Notary Commission

The timeline depends on the speed of each step. Completing a course typically takes one to four hours. The exam can be passed on the same day or within a few days. Submitting your application is instant if done online. Processing times for the Secretary of State and the clerk's office vary, so confirm the current times with each office before you plan around a start date.

Maximum Notarial Fees You Can Charge

Maryland law sets limits on how much you can charge for notarial services. For a standard in-person notarial act, you may charge a maximum of $8 per act. If you provide remote online notarization (notarizing a signer who is not physically present with you), you may charge up to $30 per act. You cannot charge more than these amounts, even if the document is complex or the signer requests a higher fee. You may charge less than the maximum if you choose.

These fees apply to individual acts, such as notarizing a single signature on a document. If a document has multiple signature pages requiring separate notarial acts, you may charge the fee for each act.

Remote Online Notarization in Maryland

Maryland has allowed remote online notarization (also called remote notarization or RON) since October 1, 2020. This means you can notarize documents for signers who are not physically in the same location as you, using audio-visual technology like video conferencing.

To offer remote notarization services, you must use an SOS-authorized technology vendor that meets Maryland's security and recording standards. Not all video conferencing platforms are approved, so check with the Secretary of State for a current list of authorized vendors. You must also be an SOS-authorized notary specifically approved to perform remote notarizations. Ask the Secretary of State Notary Division how to request remote notary authorization.

The requirement regarding whether the signer must be physically in Maryland during a remote notarization is listed as unverified. Confirm this detail with the Secretary of State Notary Division to ensure you understand the geographic restrictions before offering remote services.

Obtaining an Apostille in Maryland

An apostille is a special certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates the origin of a public document. Apostilles are used when a notarized document will be presented in a foreign country that is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention.

If you need an apostille on a notarized document, you submit the document to the Maryland Secretary of State with an apostille request. The SOS attaches a certificate to the document confirming that the notary's signature and seal are genuine. Apostille fees are charged by the Secretary of State, but the exact amount is listed as unverified. Contact the SOS Notary Division to confirm current apostille fees and processing times before you submit a request.

Tips for Becoming and Working as a Notary

Choose an approved course carefully. Not all notary courses are created equal. Look for providers with good reviews and clear explanations of Maryland law. The course is your foundation for understanding your responsibilities.

Take the exam seriously. The exam ensures you know Maryland law and can perform your duties correctly. Study the course materials thoroughly and take practice exams if available.

Keep detailed records. Maryland law requires notaries to maintain a journal of every notarial act you perform. Record the date, the type of act, the signer's name and ID type, the document description, and your fee. This protects you if a dispute arises later.

Verify signer identity carefully. Before notarizing, always verify the signer's identity using government-issued photo ID. Never notarize for someone you cannot confirm is who they claim to be.

Renew your commission on time. Your commission is valid for four years. About three months before expiration, watch for renewal information from the Secretary of State. Renew on schedule to avoid gaps in your authority.

Invest in proper equipment. Purchase an official notary seal that produces a clear impression. Some notaries also invest in an embosser for raised seals. These tools are inexpensive and make your work look professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the course requirement. New applicants must complete an SOS-approved course. There are no exceptions. Taking an unapproved course will delay your application.

Confusing the two fees. The Secretary of State charges an application fee, and the clerk of the circuit court charges a separate fee for administering the oath. Budget for both.

Notarizing for family members. While not prohibited in Maryland, notarizing for close relatives can create conflicts of interest. Consider declining requests from family members to maintain professional credibility.

Performing notarizations outside your authority. Do not notarize if the signer is not present (unless you are authorized for remote notarization), if you cannot verify their identity, or if you have a financial interest in the document.

Losing your journal. Your journal is your record of every notarial act. Losing it exposes you to liability and makes it difficult to defend your work if questioned. Store it securely.

What to Do After You Receive Your Commission

Once your commission arrives, you are ready to offer notary services. Decide how you want to market yourself: you might work independently, offer notary services through your employer, or partner with businesses that need regular notarizations. Many notaries start by advertising through social media, word of mouth, or online notary directories.

Order notary supplies if you haven't already, including a notary seal, ink pad (if your seal is not self-inking), and a durable journal. Some notaries also order business cards or certificates to give clients. These supplies are inexpensive and help you present a professional appearance.

Familiarize yourself with common documents you will notarize, such as affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan documents. Understanding what signers are asking for will help you serve them more confidently.

Expected Results and Timeline

Once you complete all steps and receive your commission, you will be a commissioned notary public in Maryland. You will be authorized to notarize documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and perform other notarial acts permitted by state law, provided you follow all requirements. Your commission is valid for four years before renewal is required.

The overall timeline from starting the course to receiving your commission certificate depends on your course provider, the Secretary of State's processing time and when the clerk's office can administer your oath. Confirm current times with each office.

Important Disclaimer

This article is informational content only and does not constitute legal advice or tax advice. Notary laws are complex and subject to change. For specific questions about Maryland notary requirements, fees, or procedures, contact the Maryland Secretary of State Notary Division directly or consult with a qualified attorney. Information in this guide is accurate as of the date of publication but should be verified with official state sources before you take action.