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1.  [Home](/)
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3.  Maryland 

# How to Become a Notary in Maryland (2026)

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## Requirements to Become a Notary in Maryland

Becoming a notary public in Maryland requires meeting several key qualifications set by the state. Here is a detailed overview of what you need:

-   **Minimum age:** 18 years old
-   **Residency:** Must be a legal resident of Maryland
-   **Surety bond:** Not required
-   **Education:** Mandatory 6-hour education course and pass exam
-   **State exam:** Not required

Maryland notaries serve an essential role in preventing fraud by verifying the identity of individuals signing important documents. Whether you plan to work as a mobile notary, a signing agent for loan documents, or simply add notary services to your current role, understanding these requirements is the critical first step.

## Maryland Notary Application Process

The application process in Maryland involves submitting your application through the Maryland Secretary of State (oath at Circuit Court). Here is a step-by-step overview:

1.  Verify you meet all eligibility requirements listed above.
2.  Complete the required education: Mandatory 6-hour education course and pass exam.
3.  Submit your completed application and the filing fee of $25 SOS + $11 court oath fee to the Maryland Secretary of State (oath at Circuit Court).
4.  Once approved, purchase your official notary stamp/seal and begin your commission.

Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their commission within 4 to 8 weeks of submitting a complete application.

## Maryland Notary Fees

Maryland sets maximum fees that notaries may charge for their services. Here are the current fee guidelines:

Acknowledgment

$8 per signature (statutory maximum)

Jurat

$8 per signature (statutory maximum)

Travel Fee

Mileage-based

Mobile notaries in Maryland often charge additional travel fees on top of the per-signature fee. These travel fees are negotiable and vary based on distance, time of day, and urgency. Many successful mobile notaries in Maryland earn between $75 and $200 per signing appointment.

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## Commission Length in Maryland

A notary public commission in Maryland is valid for **4 years**. It is important to track your expiration date and begin the renewal process well in advance to avoid any lapse in your commission.

An expired commission means you cannot legally perform notarizations. Any notarial acts performed after your commission expires are invalid and could expose you to legal liability.

## How to Renew Your Maryland Notary Commission

Complete required education, submit renewal application to the Secretary of State, and take oath at circuit court.

We recommend starting the renewal process at least 60 days before your commission expires. This ensures there is no gap in your ability to perform notarial services. If your commission lapses, you may need to go through the full application process again.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

New and experienced notaries alike can fall into common pitfalls. Here are the top mistakes Maryland notaries should watch out for:

-   Not completing required 6-hour education
-   Notarizing without signer present
-   Using expired seal
-   Providing legal advice — notaries are NOT attorneys (unless separately licensed)
-   Not understanding the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat

## Maryland Notary Practice Exam

Test your knowledge with 20 multiple-choice questions covering Maryland-specific rules and general notary law. No login required.

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## Notary Education by City in Maryland

[Coltons Point](/education/maryland/coltons-point)[Berlin](/education/maryland/berlin)[Upper Fairmount](/education/maryland/upper-fairmount)[Solomons](/education/maryland/solomons)[North East](/education/maryland/north-east)[Friendship](/education/maryland/friendship)[Denton](/education/maryland/denton)[Emmitsburg](/education/maryland/emmitsburg)[Lonaconing](/education/maryland/lonaconing)[Keedysville](/education/maryland/keedysville)[Mount Victoria](/education/maryland/mount-victoria)[Aberdeen Proving Ground](/education/maryland/aberdeen-proving-ground)[Ewell](/education/maryland/ewell)[Mardela Springs](/education/maryland/mardela-springs)[Dunkirk](/education/maryland/dunkirk)[North Beach](/education/maryland/north-beach)[Jefferson](/education/maryland/jefferson)[Eckhart Mines](/education/maryland/eckhart-mines)[Accokeek](/education/maryland/accokeek)[Galena](/education/maryland/galena)

## Notary Education by County in Maryland

[Montgomery County](/education/maryland/county/montgomery)[Prince George's County](/education/maryland/county/prince-georges)[Baltimore County](/education/maryland/county/baltimore)[Anne Arundel County](/education/maryland/county/anne-arundel)[Howard County](/education/maryland/county/howard)[Frederick County](/education/maryland/county/frederick)[Harford County](/education/maryland/county/harford)[Carroll County](/education/maryland/county/carroll)[Charles County](/education/maryland/county/charles)[Washington County](/education/maryland/county/washington)[St. Mary's County](/education/maryland/county/st-marys)[Cecil County](/education/maryland/county/cecil)[Wicomico County](/education/maryland/county/wicomico)[Calvert County](/education/maryland/county/calvert)[Allegany County](/education/maryland/county/allegany)

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**Disclaimer:** Information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current laws. It is not intended as legal advice. MobileNotaryNet makes no guarantees as to accuracy or completeness and assumes no liability for any reliance on this information.

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