Overview
Maryland legalized Remote Online Notarization in 2020 through the Maryland Remote Notary Act. Maryland's RON framework requires an active notary commission, completion of an approved training program, and registration with the Secretary of State before performing remote notarial acts. Maryland's notary commission is unique among states: commissions are applied for through the Secretary of State but endorsed by the Governor - a ceremonial distinction that does not affect the practical process, but means new commissions can take slightly longer to issue than in purely administrative states.
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Maryland RON registration involves a $20 application fee and typically takes 2-4 weeks. Some Maryland counties require a surety bond as part of the traditional commission process – bond requirements vary by county. Once registered, Maryland RON notaries can serve signers anywhere in the country.
Maryland Remote Notary Act: What the Law Requires
Maryland’s RON requirements under the Maryland Remote Notary Act:
- Active Maryland notary public commission as a prerequisite
- Completion of an approved training program on remote notarization
- Registration application submitted to and approved by the Secretary of State
- Use of an SoS-approved RON technology platform
- Two-way real-time audio-visual communication for every remote session
- Identity verification using credential analysis and/or KBA
- Electronic journal entry required per notarial act
- Audio-visual recording retained per state requirements
- Remote notarial certificate language on all electronic certificates
Maryland’s Commission Process: Governor Endorsement
Maryland notary commissions follow a two-step process that is different from most states:
- Apply through the Maryland Secretary of State’s website
- Commission is formally endorsed by the Governor (ceremonial, but adds processing time)
- Commission term is 4 years
- Some counties require a surety bond – bond requirements vary, so verify with your county clerk
- Maryland residency or place of business in Maryland is required
If you are not yet a Maryland notary, factor in additional time for the Governor endorsement step before starting the RON registration process.
Maryland RON Training Requirement
Maryland requires completion of an approved training program on remote notarization before the registration application is submitted. Training covers the Maryland Remote Notary Act, remote session procedures, identity verification methods, and electronic journal requirements. Verify the current approved training providers at the Maryland Secretary of State website before enrolling. NNA and NCAN courses may qualify; confirm before purchasing. Keep the training completion certificate to include with your registration application.
Maryland-Approved RON Technology Platforms
Maryland requires the use of an SoS-approved RON technology platform. Platforms that have been approved for Maryland RON include:
- Notarize (Proof) – high consumer volume, per-session payment model
- NotaryLive – strong notary scheduling and session management
- DocVerify – enterprise and financial document workflows
- SIGNiX – mortgage and title company integrations
- Pavaso – real estate and mortgage document focus
Verify the current Maryland-approved platform list at sos.maryland.gov/Notary before registering. Include your platform selection in the registration application.
Maryland County Bond Requirements
Unlike most states that have a uniform bond requirement for all notaries, Maryland’s bond requirement varies by county. Some Maryland counties require a surety bond as part of the traditional commission; others do not. Check with your county clerk or the Maryland SoS for the current bond requirements in your county. For RON purposes, if a bond was part of your commission, it typically covers RON activities performed under that commission.
After Registration: Maryland RON Compliance
Once registered, Maryland RON notaries must:
- Use only the approved platform listed in their registration
- Maintain an electronic journal with complete entries per act
- Retain audio-visual recordings per Maryland’s retention requirements
- Use Maryland-specific remote notarial certificate language
- Notify the SoS if changing to a different approved platform after registration
What Maryland RON Notaries Can Notarize
Maryland RON covers acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. High-volume use areas:
- Real estate and mortgage documents – Maryland’s active residential property market near DC and Baltimore
- Legal documents – powers of attorney, affidavits, estate documents
- Business and government documents – Maryland’s proximity to federal agencies drives consistent demand
- Out-of-state signers – Maryland RON notaries can serve signers anywhere nationally
Common Mistakes Maryland RON Notaries Make
- Not accounting for Governor endorsement processing time when planning the RON launch timeline
- Enrolling in training not on Maryland’s approved list
- Not verifying county-specific bond requirements before submitting the commission application
- Using a platform not on Maryland’s current approved list
- Performing remote sessions before receiving SoS registration confirmation
Before You Start
Maryland RON requires SoS registration before any remote session. Complete approved training, submit the complete registration with platform information and training proof, pay the $20 fee, and wait for written confirmation. Official reference: Maryland Secretary of State – Notary Public.
Prerequisites
- Active Maryland notary commission (4-year term, endorsed by Governor)
- Maryland residency or place of business in Maryland
- County-specific surety bond requirements vary - verify with county clerk
- Completion of SoS-approved RON training program
- RON registration confirmed by Secretary of State
- Use only SoS-approved RON technology platform
- Electronic journal required per act
- Audio-visual recording retention required
Steps
Confirm your active Maryland notary commission through the Secretary of State (4-year term, Governor-endorsed)
Verify any county-specific surety bond requirements with your county clerk
Complete an SoS-approved RON training program and obtain proof of completion
Review the current Maryland-approved RON platform list at sos.maryland.gov/Notary
Select an approved RON technology platform
Submit the RON registration application to the Maryland SoS with training proof and platform information
Pay the $20 registration fee
Wait for SoS registration confirmation (2-4 weeks) before performing any remote sessions
Set up electronic seal, electronic journal, and audio-visual recording on your approved platform
Training & Exam
Training:
SoS-approved training program required before registration. Covers Maryland Remote Notary Act, remote session procedures, identity verification, and recordkeeping. Verify current approved providers at sos.maryland.gov/Notary before enrolling. Proof of completion required with registration application.
Exam:
No separate RON exam. Competency is verified through the required training program. A declaration or statement of understanding may be required as part of the registration form.
Bond & E&O
Bond:
Maryland bond requirements vary by county - some counties require a surety bond as part of the traditional commission; others do not. Verify the current requirement for your county with your county clerk or the Maryland Secretary of State at sos.maryland.gov/Notary.
E&O Insurance:
E&O insurance recommended; $500,000 coverage typical for professional notaries. Not state-mandated but required by many platforms. Especially advisable given Maryland's proximity to federal agencies and high-stakes document volume.
Costs Breakdown
- RON registration fee: $20
- SoS-approved training program: $50-$125
- Surety bond (county-dependent): ~$25-$75/year if required
- Maryland notary commission fee: verify at sos.maryland.gov/Notary
- RON platform/technology: $25-$55/month
- Digital certificate/e-seal: $50-$100/year
- E&O insurance (recommended): $75-$150/year
Timeline
RON registration: 2-4 weeks after complete submission. Note: initial Maryland notary commission may take longer due to Governor endorsement step.
Apply & Official Links
FAQ
Why does Maryland have a Governor endorsement for notary commissions?
Maryland commissions are applied for through the Secretary of State but formally endorsed by the Governor - a historical practice that adds a ceremonial step to the process. This can add several days to the initial commission timeline but does not affect the practical authority of the commission once issued.
Do all Maryland counties require a surety bond?
No. Maryland bond requirements vary by county. Some counties require a bond as part of the notary commission; others do not. Verify your county''s requirement with the county clerk or Maryland SoS before submitting the commission application.
Does Maryland require training for RON registration?
Yes. Maryland requires completion of an approved training program on remote notarization before the registration application. Proof of completion is required with the application.
What is the Maryland RON registration fee?
$20, submitted to the Maryland Secretary of State as part of the RON registration application.
Can Maryland RON notaries serve out-of-state signers?
Yes. Once registered, Maryland RON notaries can serve signers located anywhere in the country.
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