Become a notary

Maryland Secretary of State

Become a notary in Maryland

Notaries in Maryland are commissioned by the Maryland Secretary of State. Apply there first. StampSide is a public page after you have used their process. Look up a commission in the Secretary of State notary database.

Official Maryland registerRegister on StampSide

Where to register

Applications go to the Maryland Secretary of State. Open their page for the current application, not a StampSide form.

Requirements

What the official page states. If a topic is missing here, that page did not spell it out.

Handbook
New applicants order and review the SOS handbook ($30.00 as posted on the order form they link).
Course and exam
A new applicant completes a course of study and passes an examination through an authorized provider. Upload both certificates with the online application.
Application fee (as posted)
Application fee $25 as of January 22, 2024.
Background check
The SOS conducts a background check on disclosed convictions and civil judgments.
Approval
Your State Senator or the Secretary of State (if the Senator delegated) approves or denies.

How to get started

  1. Order the handbook; take the course and exam

    Use the authorized-provider list on the SOS site. You will have two certificates.

  2. Apply online

    Complete the application at mdsos2.my.site.com. The SOS says they receive it the next business day.

  3. Appear at the Clerk of the Circuit Court

    If approved, take the oath within 30 days. The clerk’s fees posted on that page are $10.00 for the commission and $1.00 registration. Miss the 30 days and the commission is revoked.

  4. Register on StampSide

    After you use the Maryland Secretary of State site, create a public page: photo, where you work, and how clients reach you. You can appear in the Maryland directory. The page stays unpublished until a commission is on file.

Processing time

The SOS table on the new-applicant page lists new-application determination as 2–14 days (renewal 1–3 days).

Tools after you apply

Official pages and named suppliers already listed in this product. Checkout is on their site — StampSide does not sell stamps.

  • Supplies

    Buy a Maryland-specific seal after the clerk swears you in and you have the commission email.

    StampSide supplies list

  • More suppliers

    Notary Rotary, Notary.net, and the National Notary Association are on the supplies list. State-specific seals only.

    StampSide supplies list

More official pages

Register, then getting started

StampSide does not commission you — the Maryland Secretary of State does, on the official site above. Register here for a public page. After you sign up, getting started walks through a photo, your commission when you have it, and an email signature for cards and mail. The page stays unpublished until a commission is on file.

RegisterCreate your page

After you are commissioned

Appear in the Maryland directory. Closers and the public still confirm standing on the official site.

Create your pageMaryland listingsMaryland hub

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