How to become a notary in Maryland
Eligibility, a course, an exam, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Maryland Secretary of State, Notary Division.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Maryland resident, or a non-resident with a place of employment or practice in Maryland whose home state lets Maryland residents working there serve as notaries; Maryland residents are commissioned in their county of residence, non-residents in the county where they work; Good moral character and integrity; Maryland residents must be approved by the State Senator for their district (or by the Secretary of State if the Senator has delegated approval); 3 references required; application may be denied for a felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit, or for misstatements on the application.
- Take the required notary course — Since Oct 1, 2021, new applicants must complete a course of study from a provider approved by the Secretary of State; renewing notaries must also repeat the course. No minimum hour count is set by statute; providers set length and price. Upload the certificate of completion with the online application. The SOS also recommends buying and reviewing the Notary Handbook ($30).
- Pass the notary exam — New applicants must pass an exam given by an SOS-approved provider (the same providers that offer the course) and upload the certificate of passing. Renewing notaries do not retake the exam. The provider sets the exam fee; the state does not.
- Complete the background check — The SOS runs a background check to confirm you disclosed all criminal convictions and civil judgments; no fingerprinting. Inaccurate disclosure leads to denial.
- Apply to the Maryland Secretary of State, Notary Division — Pay the $25 state fee. Other fees: $11 paid to the Clerk of the Circuit Court when sworn in ($10 commission + $1 registration); Notary Handbook $30 (optional purchase); course and exam fees set by the approved provider.
- Take the oath and file it — After approval by email, appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county of commission within 30 days, take the oath of office and pay $11; missing the 30 days revokes the commission. The commission is then emailed to you.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: ink stamp, embosser or electronic stamp showing the notary's name as commissioned, the words "Notary Public" and the county (or Baltimore City) of commission; the expiration date goes on the stamp or the notarial certificate. Journal: Required.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Maryland's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Maryland notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Maryland Secretary of State, Notary Division |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Maryland resident, or a non-resident with a place of employment or practice in Maryland whose home state lets Maryland residents working there serve as notaries; Maryland residents are commissioned in their county of residence, non-residents in the county where they work |
| Course | Required Since Oct 1, 2021, new applicants must complete a course of study from a provider approved by the Secretary of State; renewing notaries must also repeat the course. No minimum hour count is set by statute; providers set length and price. Upload the certificate of completion with the online application. The SOS also recommends buying and reviewing the Notary Handbook ($30). |
| Exam | Required New applicants must pass an exam given by an SOS-approved provider (the same providers that offer the course) and upload the certificate of passing. Renewing notaries do not retake the exam. The provider sets the exam fee; the state does not. |
| State fee | $25 |
| Other fees | $11 paid to the Clerk of the Circuit Court when sworn in ($10 commission + $1 registration); Notary Handbook $30 (optional purchase); course and exam fees set by the approved provider |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | The SOS runs a background check to confirm you disclosed all criminal convictions and civil judgments; no fingerprinting. Inaccurate disclosure leads to denial. |
| Term | 4 years |
| Oath / filing | After approval by email, appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county of commission within 30 days, take the oath of office and pay $11; missing the 30 days revokes the commission. The commission is then emailed to you. |
| Seal | Required: ink stamp, embosser or electronic stamp showing the notary's name as commissioned, the words "Notary Public" and the county (or Baltimore City) of commission; the expiration date goes on the stamp or the notarial certificate |
| Journal | Required |
| Max fee per notarization | $8 per original notarial act; $30 per remote notarial act; $4 per signature on each additional copy of the same record; $2 per photocopy; travel: IRS mileage rate plus up to $5 |
| Remote online notary | Allowed File the online Remote Notary Notification form (mdsos2.my.site.com) and choose an SOS-authorized RON vendor for electronic records. A separate option covers tangible records when the signer is identified by personal knowledge or a credible witness. Authorization is confirmed by email in about 1-3 days. Max fee $30 per remote act. |
| Renewal | Apply online from 60 days before to 30 days after expiration. Requires repeating the course of study (no exam) and paying the $25 fee, then being sworn in again by the Circuit Court Clerk within 30 days ($11). After 30 days past expiration you must apply as a new notary. |
Apply online only at mdsos2.my.site.com. The application fee rose from $9 + $2 to $25 and the fee caps were raised on 1/22/2024. A 2021 RULONA-based law (State Gov't §18-101 et seq.) added the course and exam requirement; no newer changes to fees or requirements were found as of 2026-10. The statute allows the SOS to set fees up to $25 per act and $50 per remote act, but current regulations cap them at $8 and $30. A journal is required for every notarial act and must be kept for 10 years.
Sources: Maryland SOS - Notary Division · Maryland SOS - New Notary Application Information · Maryland SOS - Renewal Application Information · Maryland SOS - Notary FAQ · Maryland SOS - Remote Notary Information. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Maryland notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Maryland licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Maryland insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Maryland?
The state fee is $25, plus $11 paid to the Clerk of the Circuit Court when sworn in ($10 commission + $1 registration); Notary Handbook $30 (optional purchase); course and exam fees set by the approved provider. Add the course, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Maryland?
New application: usually 2-14 days (2-3 business days when the SOS reviews; about 2-8 weeks when your State Senator reviews). Renewal: 1-3 days..
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Maryland?
Maryland requires a course, an exam.
How much can a notary charge in Maryland?
$8 per original notarial act; $30 per remote notarial act; $4 per signature on each additional copy of the same record; $2 per photocopy; travel: IRS mileage rate plus up to $5.
Can I be an online notary in Maryland?
Yes. File the online Remote Notary Notification form (mdsos2.my.site.com) and choose an SOS-authorized RON vendor for electronic records. A separate option covers tangible records when the signer is identified by personal knowledge or a credible witness. Authorization is confirmed by email in about 1-3 days. Max fee $30 per remote act.