Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can verify that someone is currently commissioned as a Notary Public by searching for them at: https://mdsos2.my.site.com/s/search-notary-database​​(https://mdsos2.my.site.com/s/search-notary-database). If you cannot locate the Notary Public at this link, you may email dlnotary_sos@maryland.gov or call 410-974-5521.

In Maryland, notaries can charge up to $8 for each in-person notarization and up to $30 for remote (online) notarizations. Extra fees may include: • $4 for each additional signature on the same document • $2 for each copy of a notarized record • $6 to certify a copy of a record • Travel or mileage costs if the notary comes to you (based on state mileage rates) Notaries may also charge for specialized services, and some real estate documents require a licensed title insurance producer to complete.

According to Maryland law, recognized notarial acts include: • Acknowledgments: Confirming someone signed a document willingly. • Oaths or affirmations: Swearing that the information is true. • Verifications (Jurats): Signing a statement under oath. • Witnessing signatures: Acting as an official witness to a signing. • Certifying copies: Verifying that a copy matches the original record. • Noting protests: Documenting issues with negotiable instruments (like checks).

Yes, but the notary must be able to communicate directly with you in a language they understand. The notary doesn’t have to understand the contents of the document, only the details of the notarial act.

It depends on the type of notarization. • If it’s an acknowledgment: Yes, you may sign the document before meeting with the notary. The notary’s job is to verify your identity and confirm that you personally appeared and acknowledged that it’s your signature and that you signed it willingly. • If it’s a jurat (verification on oath or affirmation): No, you must sign in front of the notary. The notary must witness your signature after you swear or affirm that the information in the document is true.

Yes. A notary public may notarize a document from, or for, another state as long as the document is notarized while the notary public is physically present in Maryland.

Remote Online Notarizations (RON) allow someone to appear before the notary remotely using communication technology,

A government ID is one of three methods to satisfactorily identify the person requesting the notarial act. Examples include: 1. A passport, driver’s license, consular identification, or government-issued nondriver identification card, or 2. Another form of government identification issued to the individual that: 1. Contains the signature and photograph of the individual; and 2. Is satisfactory to the notarial officer. Personal knowledge and credible witness are two additional methods to identify the person requesting the notarial act.

If you don’t have a valid ID, Maryland allows a credible witness to confirm your identity before the notary. Personal knowledge is also acceptable. Both the witness and the notary must follow specific rules to do this properly.

Yes. A notary must refuse if: • The signer doesn’t have proper ID • The signer appears confused, coerced, or unwilling • The document is incomplete or blank in parts • The notary suspects fraud

An acknowledgment means you’re declaring that you voluntarily signed the document. A jurat means you’re swearing or affirming that the statements in the document are true, and you sign it in the notary’s presence.

Yes! Maryland allows Remote Online Notarization (RON). You can meet with a commissioned notary via a secure video platform, verify your ID electronically, and sign digitally. It’s fast, convenient, and legally valid.

No. Maryland law prohibits notaries from giving legal advice or drafting legal documents unless they’re licensed attorneys. They can explain their notarial process but not the legal meaning of the document.

A notary public handles all types of general notarizations. A loan signing agent is a notary with extra training who specializes in real estate and mortgage loan closings, ensuring documents are signed correctly and returned to lenders on time.