The Four Core Maryland Rules
1. The signer must be present
2. The signer must have valid ID
2. The signer must have valid ID
Every person whose signature is notarized must appear before the notary — either in person or, in Maryland, by approved remote online notarization (RON). Signing by email is never allowed.
2. The signer must have valid ID
2. The signer must have valid ID
2. The signer must have valid ID
A current, government-issued photo ID — Maryland driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, USCIS document, or unexpired foreign passport.
3. The document must be complete
4. The signer must understand the document
4. The signer must understand the document
We cannot notarize a document with blank spaces. Fill in every field (or mark "N/A") before the notarization, and leave the signature line blank until we meet.
4. The signer must understand the document
4. The signer must understand the document
4. The signer must understand the document
The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer to confirm they know what they are signing and are acting willingly.
Which IDs Are Accepted?
Accepted IDs
✓ Maryland driver's license or ID card
✓ U.S. passport or passport card
✓ U.S. military ID
✓ USCIS permanent resident card (I-551)
✓ Driver's license from another U.S. state
✓ Unexpired foreign passport
✓ Tribal ID with photo
Not Accepted
✕ Social Security card (no photo)
✕ Birth certificate (no photo)
✕ Credit cards or bank cards
✕ Library, student, or employment ID
✕ Expired IDs
✕ Copies or scans of ID
No Valid ID?
You may be able to use credible identifying witnesses who personally know you and can swear to your identity. Each witness needs their own valid photo ID. Ask us in advance so we can confirm what your document requires.
Maryland Fee Limits
Maryland caps notary fees at $8 per in-person notarial act and $30 per remote online notarial act. Mobile notaries may charge a separate travel fee — we quote the full amount (notary + travel) before we dispatch, so there are no surprises. Loan signing agents may also charge an agreed-upon package fee for signing services.
Can I Notarize Online?
Yes. Maryland permits remote online notarization (RON), so you can meet us by secure video from anywhere. You'll still need a valid photo ID and will complete an identity verification step before signing.
Do I Sign Before We Meet?
No — please wait. For most notarizations you must sign in the notary's presence. Bring the document filled out but unsigned. If your name on the ID doesn't exactly match the document, tell us in advance so we can sort it out.