Becoming a Notary Public in Maryland

• Send Your Application

  To begin the process, get an application from the Maryland Secretary of State's website (see Resources below). While filling out the form, you will need to know your legislative district, election district and precinct number. If you are a registered Maryland voter, you can find this information through a website created by the University of Maryland (see Resources). If you are not a registered voter or you live in another state, you can find this information on the Maryland State Archives website (see Resources). While filling out the application, keep in mind that your State Senator will have to endorse you before you receive your commission, and he may contact the references you list. Send your completed application and a $20 non-refundable processing fee to the Notary Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401.

• Take the Oath

  If your State Senator has endorsed your application, the Secretary of State will send your commission to the Circuit Court Clerk in the county in which you live. If you live outside of Maryland, your commission will be sent to the Circuit Court Clerk in the county in which you asked to be commissioned. At the same time your commission is sent to the Circuit Court Clerk, you will receive a postcard telling you that your application was accepted. You have 30 days to report to the Circuit Court Clerk from the time you receive this postcard. If you do not report within this time frame, your commission will expire. At the clerk's office, you will need to take the oath of office and pay a separate $11 fee. Your commission is now official.

• Start Notarizing

  Before you can start working, you need a notary journal, seal and rubber stamp. Most office supply stores have these items. Also, since you can be sued for any mistakes you make as a notary public, consider taking a notary training class, which are available online or through community colleges.

• Renew Your Commission

  Your commission will last four years. About two months before your commission expires, you will be mailed a commission renewal form. To renew your commission, mail the form back to the Secretary of State along with a $20 fee. Within two weeks, you should receive notification that your commission is at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Like you did with your initial application, you will need to go to the clerk's office within 30 days, take the oath of office and pay the $11 fee.

References & Resources

• Maryland Secretary of State
• University of Maryland
• Maryland State Archives