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Last Updated:|Reflects current Maryland notary requirements
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No Surety Bond Required in Maryland

Maryland is one of 21 U.S. jurisdictions that do not require notary bonds. However, E&O insurance is strongly recommended to protect yourself from liability claims arising from notarial errors.

No Bond Required • 4-Year Term

Maryland Notary BondNo Bond Required

Maryland does not require notaries to obtain a surety bond. Commission term is 4 years. Education course and exam are mandatory. E&O insurance recommended.

No Bond
Required
4 Years
Commission Term
No surety bond requirement
Education course required
Exam mandatory for all applicants
E&O insurance recommended

Maryland Notary Application Costs

SOS Application Fee$25
Commission Fee$10
Registration Fee$1
Course & ExamVaries
Handbook (Optional)$30
Total (Minimum)$36+
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Quick Answer

According to the Maryland Secretary of State and the Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public, Maryland does NOT require a surety bond for notary public commissions. Maryland focuses on education requirements instead - all applicants must complete a course of study and pass an examination. While no bond is required, E&O insurance is highly recommended to protect against personal liability from notarial errors.

Why E&O Insurance Is Recommended

Without E&O Insurance

Personal Risk

  • Personally liable for notarial errors
  • Must pay damages out of pocket
  • Legal defense costs on you
  • No professional protection
With E&O Insurance

Protected & Professional

  • Coverage for errors & omissions
  • Legal defense included
  • Professional credibility boost
  • Peace of mind for clients

Maryland Notary Requirements

Eligibility

  • At least 18 years old
  • Good moral character & integrity
  • Maryland resident OR permanent workplace in MD
  • Valid email and business phone

Education & Exam

  • Complete SOS-approved course
  • Pass notary examination
  • Renewing notaries: course required
  • Effective since October 1, 2021

How to Become a Maryland Notary

1

Complete Education Course

Take an SOS-approved notary course from an authorized provider

2

Pass the Examination

Successfully complete the notary examination

3

Apply Online

Submit application through the Maryland SOS portal ($25 fee)

4

Await Approval

Processing typically takes 2-14 days

5

Take Oath of Office

Visit your county Clerk of Circuit Court within 30 days ($11 fees)

6

Obtain Seal & Begin

Purchase your official notary seal/stamp and start notarizing

Serving Notaries Throughout Maryland

Major Metro Areas

Baltimore: Largest city, Johns Hopkins healthcare system, Inner Harbor business district, port commerce.

Bethesda/Silver Spring: DC suburbs, NIH, Walter Reed, federal contractors, high-volume real estate.

Columbia: Planned community, corporate campuses, diverse population.

Regional Markets

Annapolis: State capital, U.S. Naval Academy, maritime industry, tourism.

Frederick: Growing tech corridor, Fort Detrick, historic downtown.

Rockville: Montgomery County seat, biotech companies, diverse business needs.

Maryland Notary FAQs

Do Maryland notaries need a surety bond?
No, Maryland does NOT require notaries to obtain a surety bond. Maryland is one of approximately 21 U.S. jurisdictions that do not mandate notary bonds. However, Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is highly recommended to protect yourself from liability claims.
How long is a Maryland notary commission?
Maryland notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of qualification before the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Commissions can be renewed term after term by completing a course of study and maintaining eligibility.
What are the requirements to become a Maryland notary?
Maryland notary requirements include: being at least 18 years old, being of good moral character, being a Maryland resident OR having a permanent place of work in Maryland, completing an approved course of study, passing the notary examination, and paying application fees ($25 SOS fee + $11 court fees).
Is an exam required for Maryland notaries?
Yes, all new and renewing Maryland notary applicants must complete a course of study through a Secretary of State-approved provider and pass an examination. This requirement became effective October 1, 2021.
How much does it cost to become a Maryland notary?
Total costs range from $36-$66+: $25 nonrefundable SOS application fee (as of January 22, 2024), $10 commission fee, $1 registration fee, plus course/exam costs which vary by provider. The optional handbook costs $30.
Should I get E&O insurance as a Maryland notary?
While not legally required, E&O insurance is highly recommended for Maryland notaries. It protects you from personal liability if you make errors or omissions during notarizations. Without it, you could be personally responsible for damages from mistakes.
What fees can Maryland notaries charge?
As of January 22, 2024, Maryland notaries can charge $8 for each signature on the original or first copy, $4 for each signature on additional copies of the same document, and up to $30 for remote online notarizations.
Can Maryland notaries perform remote online notarization?
Yes, Maryland allows remote online notarization (RON) effective October 1, 2020. Notaries can perform notarizations via audio-video technology for signers located anywhere. Maximum fee for remote notarization is $30 per act.
Where do I apply for a Maryland notary commission?
Apply through the Maryland Secretary of State online portal at mdsos2.my.site.com. After SOS approval, you must take your oath of office at the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county within 30 days and pay the court fees ($10 commission + $1 registration).

Nearby State Notary Bonds

Virginia
$10,000
4 years
Pennsylvania
$10,000
4 years
West Virginia
$5,000
5 years
Delaware
No Bond
2 years
DC
$2,000
5 years
New Jersey
No Bond
5 years
View All State Notary Bonds

Official Maryland Notary Resources

Maryland Secretary of State

Official notary division - applications, requirements, and approved course providers.

New Applicant Information

Complete guide for first-time Maryland notary applicants.

Official Maryland Requirements

"Maryland law does not require notaries to obtain or maintain a surety bond. Instead, Maryland emphasizes education and examination requirements for all notary applicants to ensure competent performance of notarial duties."
Maryland Secretary of State • Maryland State Government Article, Title 18
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