Becoming a New Notary

How to Apply to Become a New Notary Public

To become a notary public, you must apply for your commission online at https://mdsos2.my.site.com/s/#/home.

If your state senator delegates authority to approve notary applications to the Secretary of State, approval of the completed notary application takes approximately 2-5 business days.

In order to complete the application, have the following items ready before you apply:

• An electronic image of your government-issued photo ID that verifies your home address. This image must be in PDF, JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. If your current address does not match the address on your government-issued photo ID, you must also provide a copy of your MVA Change of Address Card with an address that matches the home address provided on your application. A passport is not an acceptable ID for a notary application.
• An electronic image of your Certificate of Completion of a study course, and an electronic image of your certificate of passing the exam from an authorized provider.
• Contain information for 3 references who can attest to the notary’s character (family members and employer references will NOT be accepted).
• The legislative district in Maryland where you reside and your State Senator’s name.
• The $9 application fee is due at the time of application, as is a $2 service fee.

After receiving notification that your commission has been approved, you must appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county in which you are commissioned to take the oath of office within 30 days of the date you were notified. Failure to appear within 30 days will result in revocation of your commission, and you will have to reapply.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court will provide your notary commission after your are sworn in. After you are sworn in and you have received your commission, you are an official Notary Public for the State of Maryland.