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Notary public · Maryland

How to become a notary in Maryland: the official requirements

Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Maryland Secretary of State's own published requirements.

Maid DizdarevicCareer coach · 8x LinkedIn Top Voice
Updated Nov 5, 2026 · Requirements: each state's notary authority or statute
Quick answer

To become a notary public in Maryland: Who can apply: At least 18, and a Maryland resident or someone with a place of employment or practice in Maryland; residents are appointed by the senator for their district. Training: Complete a course of study from an authorized provider. Exam: Pass an examination from an authorized provider. Commissions are issued by the Maryland Secretary of State.

Requirements

Notary requirements in Maryland

Data
Maryland notary public requirements (Maryland Secretary of State)
RequirementMaryland
Who can applyAt least 18, and a Maryland resident or someone with a place of employment or practice in Maryland; residents are appointed by the senator for their district.
TrainingComplete a course of study from an authorized provider.
ExamPass an examination from an authorized provider.
BondNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Maryland Secretary of State.
Commission termNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Maryland Secretary of State.
State feeA $25 application fee to the Secretary of State, plus an $11.00 fee at the Clerk of the Court when you take the oath.
Background checkNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Maryland Secretary of State.
Oath and filingTake the oath of office before the Clerk of the Circuit Court within 30 days of being notified that you were approved.

Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Steps

How to apply in Maryland

Data
  1. Complete an authorized course of study and pass the examination.
  2. Apply to the Secretary of State and pay the $25 application fee.
  3. Wait for approval (by your state senator, or the Secretary of State).
  4. Within 30 days of approval, take the oath before the Clerk of the Circuit Court and pay the $11.00 fee.
Next

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FAQ

Questions people ask

How do I become a notary in Maryland?
To become a notary public in Maryland: Who can apply: At least 18, and a Maryland resident or someone with a place of employment or practice in Maryland; residents are appointed by the senator for their district. Training: Complete a course of study from an authorized provider. Exam: Pass an examination from an authorized provider. Commissions are issued by the Maryland Secretary of State.
How long is a notary commission in Maryland?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Maryland Secretary of State.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in Maryland?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Maryland Secretary of State.
Is training required to become a notary in Maryland?
Complete a course of study from an authorized provider.
Method

How this page is built

Every requirement on this page comes from the Maryland Secretary of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.

What this page can't tell you
  • Not legal advice.
  • Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
Sources
  1. Maryland Secretary of State, New Notary Applicant, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
  2. Maryland Secretary of State, Notary FAQ, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.