2026 Guide Maryland

How to Find a Notary in Maryland (2026)

Where to get documents notarized in Maryland — fees, what to bring, and remote online notarization options.

In-person fee cap

$30

RON fee cap

Yes

State fee cap

Yes

RON available

Step-by-Step: Getting Documents Notarized in Maryland

Identify your notarial act type

Different documents require different notarial acts. An acknowledgment is the most common — you acknowledge you signed willingly. A jurat requires you to swear under oath that the document's contents are true. An oath or affirmation is used for affidavits. Understanding the type helps you prepare and ensures you bring the right document.

Find a notary near you

Maryland notaries can be found at many convenient locations:

• Banks and credit unions — often free for account holders
• UPS Store / FedEx Office — $10–$15 per signature, walk-in friendly
• Public libraries — sometimes free or low-cost
• Law offices — available for clients, often free with other services
• AAA offices — free for members
• Online notary search — use the Maryland Secretary of State's notary lookup at the link below

Prepare your document

Before your appointment: complete all parts of the document except your signature. Do not sign the document beforehand — you must sign in front of the notary. Make sure all text fields are filled in. If the document is multi-page, do not staple or bind it yet.

Bring valid photo ID

The notary must verify your identity. Bring a current, government-issued photo ID such as:
• Driver's license or state ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

The name on your ID must match the name on the document. Expired IDs are generally not accepted.

Sign in front of the notary

Sign your document in the notary's presence. The notary will watch you sign, verify your willingness, and then apply their official seal and signature. For a jurat, you'll also swear or affirm that the document's contents are true.

Know the fees

Maryland law caps notary fees at $8 per notarial act. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is capped at $30. Notaries may charge additional travel fees if they come to you.

$8 per act in-person; $30 for RON. Mileage-based travel fees are allowed.

Consider Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Maryland permits Remote Online Notarization (RON) — you can get documents notarized via video call without leaving home. RON is capped at $30 per act. Platforms like Notarize, DocuSign Notary, or NotarizeME connect you with a commissioned Maryland notary online.

After notarization

Keep the notarized document in a safe place. Make photocopies for your records before submitting the original anywhere. If you need an apostille (to use the document internationally), contact the Maryland Secretary of State's office — there's usually a separate apostille fee.

Need Online Notarization?

Get documents notarized from home via video call — available 24/7, legally valid in most states.

Find an Online Notary →

Maryland Notary — Fee Summary

Acknowledgment fee cap	$8
Jurat fee cap	$8
Oath/Affirmation fee cap	$8
RON (Remote Online Notarization)	$30
State fee cap law	Yes

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Maryland note

$8 per act in-person; $30 for RON. Mileage-based travel fees are allowed.

Source: Maryland Secretary of State ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary charge in Maryland?

In Maryland, notaries are capped at $8 per notarial act by state law. Most in-person notarizations cost $8 per signature. Mobile notaries who travel to you typically charge an additional travel fee of $25–$75 on top of the per-signature fee.

Where can I find a notary near me in Maryland?

You can find a notary in Maryland at: banks and credit unions (often free for account holders), UPS Store or FedEx Office ($10–$15 per signature, walk-in friendly), public libraries (sometimes free or low-cost), AAA offices (free for members), law offices, and real estate offices. For hard-to-reach locations or after-hours needs, search for a mobile notary or use the Maryland Secretary of State's notary lookup tool online.

Can I get documents notarized online in Maryland?

Yes — Maryland permits Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing you to get documents notarized via secure video call without leaving home. The maximum RON fee is $30 per act. Platforms like Notarize, DocuSign Notary, or NotarizeME connect you with a commissioned Maryland notary 24/7.

What ID do I need to bring to a notary in Maryland?

Bring a current, government-issued photo ID with your full legal name and signature — matching the name on the document being notarized. Acceptable IDs in Maryland typically include: a driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, or permanent resident card (Green Card). The ID must be valid (not expired). Do not sign your document before arriving — you must sign in the notary's presence.

Does Maryland have a limit on notary fees?

Yes — Maryland law caps notary fees at $8 per acknowledgment and $8 per jurat. Charging more than the statutory maximum is a violation that can result in loss of the notary's commission. If a notary overcharges you, you can report it to the Maryland Secretary of State.

How long does notarization take in Maryland?

A standard in-person notarization in Maryland takes 5–15 minutes once you're in front of the notary. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign, complete the notarial certificate, and apply their seal. If you have multiple documents, add a few minutes per additional signature. Remote online notarization typically takes 15–20 minutes including identity verification.