How to Become a Notary in Maryland

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

Yes

Exam Required

Yes

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

No

Commission Term

4 years

Journal Required

Yes

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Maryland

Education Final:

Yes, must complete an approved training course.

Exam Final:

Yes, an exam is required

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

No surety bond is required for Maryland notaries.

Bond Final:

No bond is required

Applictation:

Please check the link for more details: https://sos.maryland.gov/Notary/Pages/NewApplicant.aspx

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission:

A notary public shall have the power to administer oaths according to law in allmatters and cases of a civil nature in which a justice of the peace might have administered an oath on or before July 4,1971, and with the same effect.

File Oath And Commission Final:

Yes, an Oath is required

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Maryland Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

In Maryland, an individual who wishes to be commissioned as a notary public must complete an application on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website. After a notary application is submitted to the secretary of state, it then goes to the state senator of the applicant’s senatorial district. If the senator approves the application, it is returned to the secretary of state, and appointment will be made upon approval of the governor.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.