Notary Public
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a person of proven character appointed by the Governor as an impartial witness to signing important documents, serve as an official witness, administer an oath or affirmation, take an acknowledgement, and administer oaths. As a sworn public official, a notary serves an important role in the prevention of fraud and protection of the parties involved by acting as an official, unbiased witness for certain documents. Once commissioned as a notary public, a notary may notarize documents anywhere in the State of Maryland for four years.
How To Become a Notary Public
To become a Notary Public, you must be at least 18 years of age, live or work in the State of Maryland, and be of known good character, integrity, and abilities. To be commissioned as a notary public, students may obtain an application form from the Office of the Secretary of State and forward it with a $20 non-refundable processing fee to the Notary Division, Office of the Secretary of State, http://www.sos.state.md.us/Notary/NotaryApp.pdf .
Program Summary
As sworn public officials, Notaries Public serve an important role in the prevention of fraud and protection of the parties involved by acting as an official, unbiased witness for certain documents. Prince George's Community College has a complete program curriculum of notary classes designed to educate all Notaries on their duties and responsibilities in properly performing requested notarial acts. Each quarter, classes are scheduled to educate notaries on proper practices and procedures.
Employment Trends
- It’s doubtful that anybody ever got rich from a notary service, but it is an excellent way to supplement your income – especially if you already operate a small business.
- The ideal location for a notary is a storefront in a high-traffic area next to companies that frequently require notary services, such as photocopy shops, license bureaus, or post offices.
- Notaries can now earn part-time or fulltime income by becoming a Title Insurance Producer Independent Contractor (TIPIC). For more information, visit www.mdlta.org, prelicensing or register for GEN 339 Applied Practices and Procedures class (see class schedule for dates).
- Organizations that often require notary services include:
- Banks & loan institutions
- Real estate companies
- Mortgage companies
- Car dealerships
- Title companies
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
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- Clerk of court
- Colleges and universities
- Government agencies
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Finance companies
- Credit unions
- School boards
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Program Objectives
- To educate Notaries Public on proper practices and procedures.
- To develop professional Notaries Public capable of handling any notarial request presented.
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Crs #
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Course Name
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Hrs
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GEN339
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Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
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5
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Program total
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5
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How can a notary public commission be renewed?
The Secretary of State will send a renewal application at or before the expiration of the commission term. The notary public should submit the completed application to the Secretary of State with the required processing fee. Upon approval, the notary public will be issued a notice of renewal. It is the duty of the notary public to appear, pay the fees and qualify before the Clerk of the Court within 30 days after issuance of notice of renewal. Failure to qualify within 30 days after notice constitutes a revocation of the appointment and commission.
- May a notary public act as a notary in another state?
A notary public commission issued by the State of Maryland does not authorize the holder to act as a notary public in another state or the District of Columbia. Similarly, a notary public of another state may not act as a notary public in Maryland, unless the person also holds a commission issued by Maryland. Maryland residents can apply for a notary commission in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia
- Under what circumstances may a notary refuse to notarize a document?
As a public officer, a notary should perform any notarial power to any individual who makes a reasonable and lawful request for notarization. A notary may, however, refuse to notarize a document if the notarization would result in an illegal or improper act or the notary knows that the transaction is fraudulent. Generally, a notary should not refuse to notarize a document solely because the individual requesting notarization is not a client or customer of the notary or the notary's employer. Because the notary is a public official, a notary public should be available to perform notarial services for the public at large.
- May a notary perform official duties at real estate closings or settlements?
No. A notary may not render services which may result in the issuance of a title insurance contract. Such services may only be performed by a licensed insurance provider. However, if the notary is the only one present at the closing, other than the owner, he/she may witness the signature.
- What charges and fees may a notary public make?
In accordance with Article 36 Section 23 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Secretary of State is authorized to issue regulations regarding notarial fees. Regulations were issued and became effective on October 8, 1984, outlined as follows:
- A notary public may receive a fee of not more than $2.00 for the performance of an original notarial act
- When a notary public is requested to notarize more than one copy of the same document, where the copy or copies have been signed at the same time by the person or persons, the notary may demand and receive not more than $2.00 for notarizing each signature on the original or first copy of the document, and may demand and receive not more than $1.00 for each signature on each additional copy of the same document .
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