How to Become a Notary Public in Maryland

1. Take the Maryland Online Notary Course (not required)
2. An application is submitted to the Secretary of State with a non-refundable $9 processing fee. It then goes to the State Senator of the applicant's senatorial district. If the Senator approves the application, it is returned to the Secretary of State, and appointment will be made upon approval of the Governor.Applications submitted to the Secretary of State by out-of-state persons are transmitted to a State Senator chosen by the applicant. Usually, the Senator chosen is the one where the applicant works or the one whose jurisdiction is closest to the applicant's residence.
3. After appointment by the Governor (4-6 weeks), a commission (the written statement of the appointment) is prepared. The commission is sealed with the Great Seal of the State and is signed by the Governor and Secretary of State. The applicant is then notified to appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County, or Baltimore City, in which the applicant resides.Out-of-state applicants appear before the Clerk of the Circuit of the County, or Baltimore City, in which the endorsing Senator has jurisdiction.
4. The appointee must pay a fee of $10.00 for the commission and $1.00 registration fee to the Clerk and take the oath of office. The appointee then receives the commission and is qualified to act as a notary public.

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