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How to Become a Notary in Maryland: A Complete Guide. All you need to know about becoming a notary in Maryland.
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Introduction
A notary public is an official of the state government who witnesses the signing of important documents and verifies the identity of the signatories. In Maryland, a notary public is commissioned by the Secretary of State. The office of a notary public is generally held for life, unless it is resigned, revoked, or annulled by the Secretary of State.
To become a notary public in Maryland, you must:
– be at least eighteen years old;
– be a resident of Maryland or have a place of employment or practice in Maryland;
– have no convictions for crimes involving dishonesty or fraud;
– possess a high school diploma or equivalent; and
– pass an examination administered by the Secretary of State.
What is a notary and what do they do?
A notary is a person who is authorized by the state to witness the signing of important documents and to administer oaths. A notary’s main function is to prevent fraud by ensuring that the person signing a document is who they say they are. In some cases, a notary may also be called upon to certify that a copy of a document is true and accurate.
Notaries are appointed by the Governor of Maryland, and their commission expires four years from the date of appointment. To be eligible for a notary commission, an applicant must:
-Be at least 18 years old
-Be a resident of Maryland or have a place of employment or business in Maryland
-Be able to read and write English
-Have no convictions for any felony or crime involving moral turpitude
If you meet these qualifications, you can apply for a notary commission by completing an application and submitting it to the Secretary of State’s Office. You will also need to pay a $40 fee. Once your application has been approved, you will be sworn in as a notary public by a judge or clerk of the court.
As a notary public, you will be required to maintain a record book (called a “journal”) in which you will enter all of the documents that you witness being signed. This journal must be kept in a secure place, and you must maintain it for at least 10 years after your commission expires. Notaries are also required to carry their Commission Certificate with them at all times when performing their duties.
The requirements to become a notary in Maryland
To become a notary in Maryland, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be a resident of Maryland or work in the state as an employee of the state or federal government.
3. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
4. Complete a Notary Public Education Course approved by the Secretary of State’s office. The course must be at least three hours long and cover the following topics:
-The duties and responsibilities of notaries public.
-Notarial acts, including electronic notarization.
-How to prevent fraud and forgery in connection with Notary Public duties.
-The Maryland Notary Public Law.
5. Pass a written examination administered by the education provider at the end of the course with a score of 80% or higher.
6. Purchase and maintain a $7,500 surety bond for the term of your commission from a surety company licensed to do business in Maryland. The bond must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you reside or, if you are employed by the state or federal government, in Baltimore City.*
7. Complete and submit a notary application to the Secretary of State’s office along with: -The $30 filing fee payable to “Department of Assessments and Taxation – Business Filings.” -Your original bond.* -Your certificate of completion for the Notary Public Education Course.* Your application will not be processed without these items.
How to become a notary in Maryland
You must be a resident of Maryland and at least eighteen (18) years old to become a notary public in Maryland. You must also have no felony convictions. If you meet these qualifications, you can apply to become a notary public by following the steps below:
1. Download and complete the Notary Public Application Form. You will need to provide your personal information, as well as your business address, phone number, email address, and website (if applicable).
2. Submit the completed application form, along with the $30 application fee, to the Maryland Secretary of State’s office. You can submit your application online, by mail, or in person.
3. Once your application has been processed, you will be notified by the Secretary of State’s office and given instructions on how to schedule your notary public examination. The examination is given by appointment only and includes a written test on Maryland notary laws and procedures, as well as an oral examination.
4. After passing the examination, you will be required to purchase a surety bond in the amount of $7,500 from a surety company that is licensed to do business in Maryland. The bond must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office along with a Certificate of Appointment issued by the surety company.
5. Finally, you will need to purchase a Notary Public Record Book from an authorized vendor and have it delivered to the address provided by the Secretary of State’s office.
The benefits of becoming a notary in Maryland
There are many benefits to becoming a notary in Maryland. As a notary, you will be able to:
-Attest to the signatures of persons who have signed documents
-Administer oaths and affirmations
-Take depositions and affidavits
-Certify copies of certain documents
-Verify vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
Being a notary can be a great way to serve your community and make a little extra money. If you are interested in becoming a notary, there are a few things you will need to do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a notary in Maryland is a relatively simple process. You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and successfully complete a notary training course. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for a notary commission through the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. After your commission has been approved, you will need to purchase a surety bond and submit it to the state. Once all of these steps have been completed, you will be ready to begin your career as a notary in Maryland.
