How Do You Become An Online Notary In Maryland?
As of October 1, 2020, Maryland Notaries have the opportunity to register and perform remote ink notarizations. To become a remote Notary in Maryland, you can follow these steps:
- Start by holding an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public in Maryland.
- Contract with a remote notarization technology provider or providers that facilitate remote notarization services.
- Download and complete the Remote Notary Notification Form, which is a crucial document for the registration process.
- Submit your completed Remote Notary Notification Form along with a copy of your current Notary commission to [email protected]. This submission is a key step in the registration process to become a remote Notary in Maryland.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Maryland and approved with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state’s local Online Notary laws!
How to Become a Traditional Notary in Maryland (Get your Notary Commission)
The process of becoming a Maryland Notary Public involves several distinct steps and requirements that aspiring Notaries must fulfill.
- Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements set forth by the state of Maryland.
- Obtain three character references. Note that these references should not be family members or employers. Maryland residents are preferred for this purpose.
- Enroll in a training course and successfully pass the exam offered by a state-approved provider.
- Complete the Notary Public Application online. This application should include your provided references, electronic copies of your certificates demonstrating course completion and exam success, your choice of state senator or county for commission, and the payment of a $9 application fee.
- The Division will send your application to your chosen state senator for endorsement. If the senator grants approval, the application is then returned to the Secretary of State for further processing.
- Upon approval by the Governor, your Notary appointment will be confirmed, and your Notary commission will be sent to the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office.
- The Secretary of State’s office will notify you via email to appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office within 30 days.
- Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office to either schedule an appointment or confirm walk-in availability. Attend the appointment to take your oath and pay an $11 fee. Your commission certificate will then be emailed to you.
- Purchase your Notary seal and journal to fulfill your official duties as a Notary Public.
- Consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, which is optional but strongly recommended for added protection in your Notary role.
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Maryland.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in Maryland?
To become a Notary Public in Maryland, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate good moral character, integrity, and competence.
- Reside in Maryland or have a place of employment or practice within the state.
For further details, consult the Maryland Notary Handbook or the Maryland SoS Website.
Are Online Notaries Legal in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows Notaries who hold commissions for online notarization to conduct Remote Online Notarization (RON) services. The legalization of Remote Online Notarization in Maryland was established through Senate Bill 678, which became permanent in October 2020. To perform remote online notarizations in Maryland, Notaries are required to maintain a valid traditional notary commission and collaborate with an approved RON technology provider.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In Maryland?
Becoming an Online Notary in Maryland is a simple way to offer convenient and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
MarylandOnline Notary FAQ’s
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in Maryland
Before you can proceed with registering as a remote Notary in Maryland, you must first satisfy the state’s prerequisites, which include holding a traditional Notary Public commission. Essential qualifications involve being at least 18 years old, possessing a reputation for good character, integrity, and competence, and either residing or working within the state. Notably, starting from October 1, 2021, Maryland will introduce new requirements for Notary applicants, necessitating the completion of a state-mandated course and examination to obtain traditional commissions. This change will also eliminate the previous requirement related to residency or employment within the state.
Training and Examination Requirements for Online Notaries
Regarding training and exams for remote Notaries in Maryland, there is no mandatory training or examination required to become a remote Notary. However, commencing on October 1, 2021, individuals applying for traditional Notary commissions and those seeking renewal will be obliged to participate in a course and successfully pass an examination.
Tools and Technology for Online Notarizations in Maryland:
To embark on a career as a remote Notary, you will need specific tools and technology. These include a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Your computer must possess the capability to facilitate live two-way audio and video transmissions. While the Maryland Secretary of State does not endorse particular third-party Remote Online Notarization (RON) platforms, there are several options available that meet state requirements. These platforms should encompass identity proofing and credential analysis features. Additionally, you’ll need to acquire essential digital tools such as a digital certificate housing your electronic signature, an electronic seal, and an electronic journal. It is imperative to verify the compatibility of these items with your chosen RON system.
Is an Additional Surety Bond Required?
Maryland does not mandate Notaries to obtain a surety bond.
E&O Insurance in Maryland
Although not obligatory, the acquisition of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies is highly recommended for Notaries in Maryland. These policies serve as a safeguard in situations where errors or omissions occur during notarizations, effectively limiting your financial liability. Unlike surety bonds that primarily protect the interests of the public, E&O policies are designed to offer personal protection for Notaries in cases of inadvertent mistakes on notarized documents.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally, the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in Maryland?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signings (where the industry standard is $150 per session) and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. You will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Maryland?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other Maryland notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and for an independent notary looking to grow their own business. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
Register and get started here: Sign Up.
