Becoming a Notary Public in Maryland involves a structured process of state requirements, training, and a final, in-person local step in Baltimore. The notary serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, acting as a public official to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of transactions across the state. This guide details the necessary steps for an applicant residing in or working in Baltimore, focusing on adherence to the Maryland Secretary of State’s regulations for commissioning.
Basic Eligibility Requirements in Maryland
Applicants must satisfy several foundational personal criteria established by the state of Maryland. Prospective notaries must be at least 18 years of age and possess known good character, integrity, and abilities. Applicants must either be a resident of Maryland or maintain a permanent place of employment or practice within the state.
The application requires providing details for three character references who are not family members or employers, demonstrating the applicant’s reputation for honesty. A background check is conducted as part of the state’s review, meaning applicants should be prepared to disclose any past criminal convictions or civil judgments. While U.S. citizenship is not a requirement, applicants must be legally residing or working in Maryland and able to read and write in English.
Required Notary Training and Education
Maryland mandates that all new notary applicants complete a state-approved training course before submitting their commission paperwork. This education must be provided by a vendor authorized by the Secretary of State’s office. The course is designed to ensure the applicant understands the full scope of their legal responsibilities, including the proper notarial acts, ethics, and relevant Maryland law.
The educational requirement also includes passing a formal examination at the conclusion of the course, which tests the applicant’s competency in the covered material. Upon successful completion of both the training and the assessment, the applicant receives a certificate of course completion and a certificate of passing the exam. These certificates are prerequisites for the administrative application phase that follows.
Submitting Your Official Application
Applicants must submit the official application for a Notary Public commission to the Secretary of State. The state strongly encourages applicants to complete the application through the Maryland OneStop online portal. This process requires the applicant to upload supporting documentation, including copies of the course completion and exam passing certificates.
The application requires payment of a non-refundable $25 fee. Applicants must provide details like their legislative district and the name of their State Senator, as the application is reviewed and requires endorsement from that Senator. The Secretary of State’s office recommends allowing four to six weeks for the application to be processed, reviewed, and approved.
Obtaining Your Notary Bond and Insurance
Unlike many other states, Maryland does not legally require a surety bond for Notaries Public. A surety bond is typically a financial protection for the public against a notary’s misconduct or errors. However, because a notary carries unlimited financial liability for every document they notarize, the state recommends purchasing Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
E&O insurance is a voluntary policy that protects the notary personally by covering legal fees and potential damages resulting from an honest mistake or omission during a notarial act. Policies are available in various coverage amounts, such as $10,000 up to $100,000, and are often purchased for the full four-year term of the commission.
Taking the Oath of Office (The Local Baltimore Step)
Once the application is approved by the Secretary of State, the applicant will receive an email notification with instructions for the final commissioning step. This is a mandatory in-person appearance to take the constitutional Oath of Office. For a Baltimore resident, this ceremony must be performed at the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City or Baltimore County, depending on the applicant’s residence.
This local step must be completed within 30 days of the date the notification was issued; failure to meet this deadline will result in the automatic revocation of the commission, requiring the applicant to restart the entire process and pay a new application fee. The applicant must present a valid government-issued ID and pay a separate Clerk of the Court fee, typically $11, to receive their official commission certificate.
Essential Notary Supplies and Record Keeping
After officially being commissioned, the notary must acquire the necessary supplies to perform notarial acts in accordance with state law. Maryland requires an official seal or stamp, which must contain the notary’s name exactly as it appears on the commission, the words “Notary Public,” and the county or Baltimore City where the notary was commissioned. This seal can be an inked rubber stamp or an embosser, provided it meets the specified content requirements.
Maryland law mandates that the notary maintain a “fair register,” or journal, of all official acts performed. The journal must document details like the date and time of the act, the type of document, and the method used to verify the signer’s identity. The notary’s commission is valid for a four-year term, making proper management of these supplies and the journal necessary for ongoing adherence to state regulations.