Notary Public in Maryland
Browse 171 cities in Maryland to find a notary public near you.
Maryland notaries are appointed by the Governor and serve a 4-year term. The Washington D.C. suburbs — including Montgomery and Prince George's Counties — are among the most active real estate markets in the country, driving consistent demand for notaries and loan signing agents throughout the greater Baltimore-Washington corridor. The fee cap is $8 per signature. Remote online notarization is legal in Maryland, and given the density of federal-contractor and legal-sector paperwork flowing through the D.C. suburbs, it sees real use here. Maryland requires training and a state exam to become a notary, but no bond.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
Maryland notaries are commissioned by the Maryland Secretary of State — Notary Division, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a Marylandnotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Maryland law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $8 per notarial act (plus IRS mileage rate for travel, up to $5). A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
Remote Online Notarization
Maryland has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Maryland
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Required |
Total cost to become a notary in Maryland typically runs $110–$178, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the Maryland Secretary of State — Notary Division.