For Notaries · Maryland
How to Become a Notary in Maryland
To become a notary in Maryland, be at least 18, a Maryland resident or regularly employed in the state, and of good character. No bond is required, but effective October 2021 you must complete an approved course of study and pass an exam. Pay a $25 application fee plus $11 to the Clerk of Circuit Court. Commissions last four years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Maryland is one of the more accessible states for aspiring notaries because there is no surety bond requirement. The Maryland Secretary of State commissions notaries, and since October 1, 2021 every new applicant must first complete an approved course of study and pass an examination on Maryland notary law, regulations, ethics, and the Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public. You then submit your application with a $25 fee to the Secretary of State, and after approval you take an oath of office before the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county and pay an additional $11 ($10 for the commission plus a $1 registration fee). Commissions run for four years. Maryland also has operative remote online notarization, so once you hold a traditional commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear by live audio-visual technology, a valuable add-on if you want to earn on platforms like USA Notary.
Maryland Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | At least 18 years old; a resident of Maryland or regularly employed within the state; and of good character, integrity, and abilities. Non-residents who work regularly in Maryland qualify. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | Not required. Maryland does not require notaries to post a surety bond. Errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance is optional but recommended for your own protection. |
| State filing fee | $25 application fee to the Secretary of State, plus $11 to the Clerk of Circuit Court ($10 commission + $1 registration). |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Notary education | Required. New applicants must complete an approved course of study before applying; renewing notaries must complete a refresher course. |
| Exam | Required. Effective October 1, 2021, new applicants must pass an examination through a Secretary of State-approved course-and-exam provider, covering Maryland notary law, regulations, ethics, and the Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public. |
Maryland charges a $25 notary application fee, and new applicants also pay the Clerk of the Circuit Court $11 ($10 for the commission plus a $1 registration fee) to take the oath of office. — Maryland Secretary of State — New Notary Application Information
How to Become a Notary in Maryland: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Maryland or regularly employed within the state, and of good character, integrity, and abilities.
- 2
Complete an approved course and pass the exam
Effective October 1, 2021, new applicants must complete a Secretary of State-approved course of study and pass an examination on Maryland notary law before applying. Choose a provider from the state's authorized list.
- 3
Submit your application and $25 fee
File your notary application through the Maryland Secretary of State (via Maryland OneStop) and pay the $25 non-refundable application fee, attaching your course and exam completion certificates.
- 4
Take your oath before the Clerk of Circuit Court
After the Secretary of State approves your application, take your oath of office before the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county and pay $11 ($10 for the commission plus a $1 registration fee).
- 5
Receive your commission and start notarizing
Once you've taken the oath, you receive a four-year commission. Order your notary seal or stamp and a record journal, then you're ready to notarize documents across Maryland.
How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Maryland
Maryland has operative remote online notarization. A commissioned Maryland notary can register to notarize remotely by submitting the Secretary of State's Remote Notary Notification Form through the online filing system and selecting one or more state-authorized RON technology vendors from the SOS list. There is no separate state fee, and the authorization must be refiled when you renew your commission.
Online / remote notary application fee: No separate state fee
Remote online notarization became permanent in Maryland in October 2020 under Senate Bill 678.
See how RON is authorized in Maryland — and state by state →
Walk through the Maryland remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Maryland
Maryland allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Maryland commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in Maryland? | Yes | Available now — register once commissioned |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Maryland?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State application fee (Secretary of State) | $25 |
| Clerk of Circuit Court oath (commission + registration) | $11 ($10 + $1) |
| Course of study and examination | Varies by approved provider |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Seal/stamp, journal & supplies | Varies |
| Remote online notary registration | No separate state fee |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Maryland Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Maryland notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Maryland notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.
Join USA Notary as a notaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state — here are nearby South Atlantic guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- Maryland Secretary of State — Notary Division
- Maryland Secretary of State — New Notary Application Information
- Maryland Secretary of State — Remote Notary Information
- American Society of Notaries — Maryland
This guide summarizes public requirements from Maryland's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.