Notary Public

As a notary, your responsibilities may include:

• Verifying the identity of signers
• Witnessing and authenticating signatures
• Administering oaths and affirmations
• Certifying copies of documents

• Eligible Candidates

  To be appointed as a Notary Public in Maryland, one must:

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Be of good moral character.
  3. Be a resident of the state or have a place of employment or practice in the state.
  4. If living in Maryland, you must be appointed by the senator representing the district in which you live; and if living outside of Maryland, you must be a resident of a state that allows Maryland residents working in that state to serve as Notaries Public in that state.
  5. All new notary applicants must complete the course Becoming a Notary Public and pass an examination; and all renewal applicants must complete the course Renewing Your Notary Commission.
• Process Overview
  1. Complete the appropriate course of study based on whether you are obtaining a new commission or renewing your existing commission. Becoming a Notary Public and Renewing Your Notary Commission courses take approximately three hours to complete.
  2. Upon successful completion of the required course, HCC will issue a digital badge and certificate of completion through Credly. You will need a copy of your certificate of completion to initiate the next step.
  3. Go to the Maryland OneStop portal to apply for a new Notary Commission or renew your Notary Commission.
• Becoming a Notary Public

  Be sure to review the following steps and requirements before starting your application with the Maryland Secretary of State:

  • Students will need to purchase the Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public, and review it in its entirety. Visit the ‘Notary Resources’ section for everything you need to know about becoming a Notary Public in Maryland.
  • Provide information for three references who can attest to your character. References may not include family members or your employer. You’ll need each reference’s name, address, phone number, email, and their relationship to you.
  • Upload a digital image of your driver’s license or other valid government-issued ID. (If your ID does not show your current address, you must also upload a change-of-address card.)
  • Upload a digital image of your certificate of completion of the course of study from an authorized notary training provider.
  • Upload a digital copy of your certificate of passing of the examination conducted by an authorized provider.

  For more information, please visit the New Notary Applicant Information page provided by the Maryland Secretary of State.

• Renewing Your Notary Public Commission

  Be sure to review the following steps and requirements before beginning your renewal process with the Maryland Secretary of State:

  • You may renew your notary commission at the end of each term. Renewals can begin 60 days before your current commission expires and must be completed within 30 days after the expiration date. If you miss this window, you will need to apply for a new commission.
  • As a current notary public, the renewal process is streamlined. Once you access your account, simply review and update your information, respond to the required legal questions and statements, and sign the form.
  • To renew online, you will need to enter your last name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
  • References are not required when renewing your commission.
  • Upload a digital image of your driver’s license or other valid government-issued ID. (If your ID does not show your current address, you must also upload a change-of-address card.)
  • Upload a digital image of your certificate of completion of the course of study from an authorized notary training provider.

  For more information, please visit the New Notary Applicant Information page provided by the Maryland Secretary of State.

• Notary Resources

  These notary resources will help you navigate certification, stay compliant, and perform your duties with confidence and accuracy.

  Maryland OneStop Notary Commission

  Maryland Secretary of State Notary Public FAQs

  National Notary Association