What Maryland requires to become a notary

To become a notary public in Maryland, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Maryland, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma, college degree, or prior experience. Maryland does require you to pass a written test and pay a fee to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, but there is no apprenticeship or sponsorship requirement — anyone who meets the basic criteria can pursue this path.

The state does not allow you to become a notary if you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, or if you have been found mentally incompetent by a court. If you have questions about your criminal history or mental health record, contact the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation directly before you begin the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland requires you to pass a written test covering notary law and duties, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • You will need to submit an process to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation along with your test results and a fee.
  • Your notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed by passing the test again and paying the renewal fee.
  • Maryland notaries must keep a journal of every notarization they perform, recording the date, type of document, and signer information.
  • You are required to obtain a notary seal and stamp, which you purchase from an approved vendor after your commission is issued.

Step-by-step process to get your Maryland notary commission

Start by studying the Maryland notary handbook, which covers the laws and duties you will be tested on. The handbook is free and available on the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website. Read through it carefully — the test draws directly from this material, and understanding the rules around what you can and cannot notarize is essential.

Next, register for the written test through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Tests are offered at multiple locations across the state, and you can schedule your test date online. Bring a valid photo ID to the test center. The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and you have one hour to complete it. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

Once you pass the test, you will receive a passing score notice. Take this notice and complete the notary process form, which is also available on the state website. Include your process fee (currently $50 for a four-year commission) and mail everything to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Processing typically takes two to four weeks.

When your commission is approved, you will receive a commission certificate in the mail. At this point, you must purchase a notary seal and journal from an approved vendor before you can begin notarizing documents. The seal and journal are your responsibility to buy — the state does not provide them.

What the test covers and how to prepare

The Maryland notary test focuses on the duties and limitations of notaries under state law. You will be asked about what documents you can notarize, how to identify signers, what information must go in your journal, and what situations require you to refuse a notarization. The test also covers the rules around notary seals, the length of your commission, and your liability if you make a mistake.

Study the Maryland notary handbook section by section. Pay special attention to the rules about acknowledgments versus jurats, because these are common test questions. An acknowledgment is when a signer confirms they signed a document; a jurat is when a signer swears or affirms that the contents are true. Maryland notaries can perform both, but the wording and process are different, and the test will ask you to distinguish between them.

Many people pass the test on their first attempt by reading the handbook twice and taking practice questions if they are available through the state website. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test — there is no limit on the number of attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee each time.

Notary seal and journal requirements

Your notary seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Maryland, and your commission expiration date. The seal can be a rubber stamp or an embosser — Maryland accepts both. You must purchase your seal from a vendor approved by the state; the list of approved vendors is on the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website. Seals typically cost between $15 and $40 depending on the type and vendor.

Your journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform. For each entry, you must write the date, the type of document, the name and address of the signer, the type of identification you checked, and your signature. This journal is a legal record and must be kept for at least five years after your commission expires. If you lose your journal or it is subpoenaed, you are required to report it to the state.

Some notaries use a physical bound journal, while others use an electronic journal system that is also approved by Maryland. Both are acceptable as long as they contain all required information and are kept find. If you use an electronic system, you must still be able to produce a printed copy if requested.

Fees and commission length

The process fee for a new four-year notary commission in Maryland is $50. If you are renewing your commission, the fee is also $50. These fees go to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and are non-refundable even if your process is denied.

Your commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by passing the test again and submitting a renewal process with the $50 fee before your current commission expires. If your commission lapses, you cannot notarize documents until you reapply and receive a new commission.

In addition to state fees, you will need to budget for your notary seal (typically $15 to $40) and a journal (usually $10 to $30). Some notaries also carry errors and omissions insurance, which protects them if they make a mistake during a notarization — this is optional but recommended, and costs vary by provider.

What you can and cannot do as a Maryland notary

As a Maryland notary, you can perform acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits, and certify copies of certain documents. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, if the signer is not present in front of you, or if you cannot identify the signer through acceptable forms of ID.

Maryland law is strict about remote notarization. You cannot notarize a document via video call, email, or phone — the signer must be physically present with you. This rule applies even if the signer is in another state. If someone asks you to notarize a document remotely, you must decline.

You also cannot notarize a document for yourself or a family member in most cases. If you are a signer on a document, you cannot be the notary for that same document. This rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of the notarization.

Renewing your Maryland notary commission

Your notary commission expires four years after it is issued. To renew, you must pass the written test again and submit a renewal process to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation at least 30 days before your commission expires. The renewal fee is $50, the same as the initial process fee.

You do not have to wait until your commission is about to expire to renew — you can renew up to six months early if you prefer. This gives you a buffer in case processing takes longer than expected. If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot notarize documents until your new commission is issued, so plan ahead.

If you let your commission lapse and want to become a notary again, you will need to start from the beginning: study the handbook, pass the test, and submit a new process. There is no special process for reactivating a lapsed commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Maryland to become a notary there?

Yes, Maryland requires you to be a resident of the state. You must provide proof of residency with your process, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you move out of Maryland, your commission becomes invalid and you cannot notarize documents.

Can I notarize documents for my spouse or family member?

No, Maryland law prohibits you from notarizing documents for yourself or when ready family members in most situations. The rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest. If a family member needs a document notarized, they must use a different notary.

What happens if I make a mistake during a notarization?

If you make an error, you are liable for damages if the mistake causes financial loss to the signer or document holder. This is why many notaries carry errors and omissions insurance. If you realize you made a mistake, document it in your journal and contact the signer to explain what happened.

How much can I charge for a notarization in Maryland?

Maryland law sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You can charge less, but you cannot charge more. Some notaries charge $5 per signature, while others charge a flat rate for multiple signatures on the same document — both are allowed as long as you do not exceed $5 per act.

Can I notarize documents from other states while working in Maryland?

Yes, you can notarize documents from any state as long as you follow Maryland notary law. However, some states have specific requirements for how their documents must be notarized. Before you notarize an out-of-state document, ask the signer or their attorney whether Maryland's notarization process meets their state's requirements.