How to Become a Notary in Maryland: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever needed an important document officially witnessed and verified? You’ve likely encountered a notary public. In Maryland, notaries play a crucial role in preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of legal documents, from property transfers to affidavits. They act as impartial witnesses, verifying the identity of signatories and ensuring they understand the content of what they are signing. This service is vital for countless transactions, protecting individuals and businesses alike.

Becoming a notary in Maryland is a straightforward process with defined requirements and steps. This guide walks you through those steps, from meeting the eligibility criteria and taking the required education to completing the application and receiving your commission. Understanding the process is important, as a notary commission opens doors to offering valuable services, enhancing your resume, and even generating income. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the legal integrity of your community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Maryland Notary

What are the specific requirements to become a notary in Maryland?

To become a notary public in Maryland, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Maryland or have a place of employment or practice in the state, be able to read and write English, and not be disqualified under Maryland law. You must also complete a mandatory three-hour notary education course from a state-approved provider and pass an examination, before submitting an application to the Secretary of State.

The process begins with completing the approved notary public education course. This course is designed to familiarize prospective notaries with Maryland notary law, proper procedures, and ethical obligations. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate that is required to apply for your commission. The course completion certificate is valid for one year from the date of completion. Once you have completed the notary education course, you must submit an online application through the Maryland Secretary of State’s website and pay the required application fee. The application requires you to disclose information regarding your eligibility, including any criminal history or previous rejections of notary applications. Furthermore, after the application is approved, you will be required to take an oath of office, obtain a notary seal, and may want to purchase notary errors and omissions insurance to protect yourself from liability. Once these steps are completed, you are officially commissioned as a Maryland Notary Public.

How much does it cost to become a notary public in Maryland?

The costs to become a notary public in Maryland are relatively low, typically ranging from $100 to $200. This includes the initial application fee of $21, the cost of your notary stamp (approximately $30-$60), the cost of your notary journal (approximately $10-$30), and the cost of a surety bond for $1,000, which typically costs around $50 per year. Costs may vary depending on the vendor you choose for your stamp, journal, and surety bond, and whether you decide to take any optional training courses.

While the initial application fee to the Maryland Secretary of State is a fixed $21, other expenses can fluctuate. The notary stamp, which is mandatory, can vary in price depending on the vendor and the type of stamp you select. Similarly, the notary journal, while not strictly required, is highly recommended for maintaining a record of your notarial acts. These generally range from basic notebooks to more elaborate, specifically designed journals. The most significant variable cost is the surety bond. Maryland requires a $1,000 surety bond to protect the public from any errors or omissions you might make as a notary. The premium for this bond is usually a small percentage of the total bond amount, typically around $50 per year for a four-year term, making it a cost-effective way to ensure compliance and offer peace of mind. Keep in mind that it will be necessary to renew both the bond and your commission every four years, incurring these costs again.

Is there a required training course or exam for Maryland notaries?

No, Maryland does not require prospective notaries to complete a mandatory training course or pass an exam as part of the application process. However, understanding Maryland notary law and best practices is crucial for performing duties correctly and avoiding legal issues.

While Maryland doesn’t mandate a specific course, it is strongly recommended that applicants familiarize themselves with the Maryland Notary Public Handbook. This handbook, available from the Maryland Secretary of State’s website, outlines the duties, responsibilities, and legal requirements of a Maryland notary. It’s essentially your self-study guide to becoming a competent notary. Careful review of this document will significantly improve your ability to perform notarizations properly and legally. Although training is not compulsory, many organizations offer notary education courses and workshops, both online and in person. These courses can be invaluable in providing a comprehensive understanding of notary law, ethical considerations, and practical skills. Choosing to participate in such a course can enhance your competence and reduce the risk of errors that could lead to legal liability. Investing in your knowledge is always a wise decision, especially when dealing with legally sensitive documents.

What is the term length for a Maryland notary commission?

The term length for a Maryland notary public commission is four years.

After completing the application process and receiving your commission, you are authorized to perform notarial acts for a period of four years. It’s important to keep track of your commission’s expiration date to ensure you don’t let it lapse, as performing notarial acts with an expired commission is illegal. To continue serving as a notary, you must apply for reappointment before your current commission expires. The reappointment process is similar to the initial application and ensures that notaries remain current with any changes in Maryland notary law or procedures. The Secretary of State’s office typically sends out reminders before your commission expires, but ultimately it is the notary’s responsibility to stay informed and initiate the renewal process in a timely manner. Be sure to update your contact information with the Secretary of State if you move or change your email address.

Can I perform online notarizations in Maryland?

Yes, you can perform online notarizations in Maryland, but only after meeting specific requirements and registering with the Maryland Secretary of State as an online notary public.

To become an online notary in Maryland, you must first be a commissioned traditional notary public in good standing. Then, you must complete an approved online notary training course and pass an examination. The training covers the specific laws, rules, and technology involved in performing remote online notarizations (RON). After completing the training and exam, you must register with the Secretary of State and specify the technology platform you will use for online notarizations. It’s important to note that Maryland law requires online notaries to use tamper-evident technology and to maintain a secure electronic journal of all online notarizations performed. The technology platform used must also comply with Maryland’s security standards, including identity proofing requirements to ensure the signer’s identity. Therefore, thorough compliance with all state regulations is critical for legally valid online notarizations in Maryland.

What are the bonding and insurance requirements for Maryland notaries?

Maryland notaries are required to obtain a $1,000 surety bond that protects the public from any financial loss resulting from negligence or misconduct on the part of the notary. While not required by law, Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is highly recommended to protect the notary public themselves from liability and potential legal expenses arising from unintentional mistakes made during notarial acts.

Maryland law mandates the surety bond to ensure a means of compensation is available to individuals who might suffer damages due to a notary’s error or malfeasance. The bond is in place for the entire term of the notary’s commission. If a claim is made against the bond, the notary is responsible for reimbursing the surety company for the amount paid out. The $1,000 bond amount is relatively low, so claims can easily exceed the bond’s coverage. Because of the limitations of the required surety bond, many Maryland notaries choose to purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O insurance provides financial protection for the notary, covering legal defense costs and potential settlements if a claim is filed against them. This type of insurance is especially vital for notaries who perform a high volume of notarial acts or notarize documents of significant financial value. E&O insurance can be obtained from various insurance providers and notary associations.

How do I renew my notary commission in Maryland?

To renew your Maryland notary commission, you must submit a renewal application to the Maryland Secretary of State before your current commission expires. The renewal process is largely the same as the initial application, including an updated oath of office.

Renewing your Maryland notary commission involves several steps to ensure compliance with state regulations. You will need to complete the online renewal application through the Maryland Secretary of State’s website. This application requires you to update your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details, if anything has changed since your original application. You’ll also need to answer questions regarding your eligibility to continue serving as a notary, confirming you still meet the necessary qualifications and have not been convicted of any disqualifying offenses. After submitting the online application and paying the required fee, you’ll receive instructions on taking the oath of office again. This oath must be administered by a person authorized to administer oaths in Maryland, such as a current notary public or a court clerk. Once the oath has been administered and the renewal application is approved, you will receive your renewed commission certificate. It is important to start the renewal process well in advance of your current commission’s expiration date to avoid any lapse in your authorization to perform notarial acts.

So, that’s the lowdown on becoming a notary in Maryland! It might seem like a few steps, but it’s totally achievable and can be a really rewarding experience. Thanks for reading, and good luck on your journey to becoming a commissioned notary! Feel free to swing by again if you have any other questions – we’re always here to help.