Notary Public Handbook

• The Notary Public Manual provides a complete summary of Maryland law regarding the qualifications, powers and duties of a Maryland notary public. The manual is intended as a useful reference and guide for the proper procedures for notarizing documents. The manual is available on the website of the secretary of state and in the clerk's office for the Circuit Court in every county.
  
  

Notary Public Training

• Maryland law does not require you to take any specific training courses as a condition of applying for a notary public commission; however, before performing any act as a notary the secretary of state advises that you obtain and become familiar with the information in the Notary Public Manual. Private companies offer notary training courses designed to teach you the proper notary procedures under Maryland law. These courses are optional, but may be a good starting point if you have no familiarity with Maryland notary law.
  
  

Notary Qualifications

• To qualify for a notary public commission in Maryland, you have to meet three criteria: be at least 18 years old; are known to have a good character, integrity and abilities; and a Maryland resident or work in the state. You start the application process by submitting an application to the secretary of state with the required fee. Notary public applications are available from the website of the secretary of state.
  
  

State Senator Approval

• All notary public applications require the approval of a Maryland state senator. If you are a resident of Maryland, your application will be sent by the secretary of state to the state senator for your senatorial district. If you are not a resident but work in Maryland, you can choose which state senator to whom the application should be sent, typically the senator for the district where you work. After your application is approved by the senator, it is returned to the secretary of state.
  
  

Commission And Oath

• Once your application is received by the secretary of state with the senator's approval, it is sent to the governor for final approval and issuance of your commission--a document bearing the signature of the governor and secretary of state, with state seal affixed and stating your appointment as a notary public. The commission will be sent to you by mail. Upon receipt, you will take it to the clerk of the Circuit Court in your county where you will be administered the oath of office.