Launching and Running a Notary Business in Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you considering starting a notary business in the state of Maryland? Becoming a notary can be a rewarding and lucrative profession, allowing you to provide essential services to individuals and businesses alike. In this article, we will explore the process of launching and running a notary business in Maryland, including the fees that can be charged for various services, as well as additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.
Understanding the Role of a Notary Public
Before we delve into the details of starting a notary business, let’s first understand the role of a notary public. A notary public is an appointed official who serves as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. Their primary duty is to verify the identity of the signers and ensure the authenticity of the documents.
Notaries play a crucial role in preventing fraud and protecting the integrity of legal transactions. As a notary, you will have the authority to administer oaths, certify copies of documents, and perform other duties as mandated by the state of Maryland.
Requirements to Become a Notary in Maryland
To become a notary in Maryland, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the state. These requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being a resident of Maryland or have a principal place of employment or practice in the state
- Being able to read and write English
- Not having been convicted of a crime of dishonesty or moral turpitude
- Completing a notary training course approved by the Secretary of State
- Passing a state-administered examination
- Paying the required application and commissioning fees
Once you meet these requirements, you can submit an application to the Secretary of State and await approval. Upon approval, you will receive your notary commission, enabling you to start your notary business.
Fees and Charges for Notary Services
As a notary public in Maryland, you have the authority to charge fees for certain services. The following are some of the fees that can be charged or typically collected by notaries:
- Notarizing a signature on a document: $4 per signature
- Taking an acknowledgment or verification: $4 per signature
- Taking a jurat or affirmation: $4 per signature
- Administering an oath or affirmation without a signature: $2
- Taking a deposition: $5 per page
- Issuing a subpoena: $5
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and it is recommended to consult the Maryland Secretary of State’s website or the relevant statutes for the most up-to-date information.
Additional Charges for Special Notarial Acts
In addition to the standard fees, Maryland notaries may charge additional fees for certain specialized notarial acts. These additional charges include:
- Mobile Notarization: If you provide notary services at a location requested by the client, you may charge a travel fee in addition to the regular fees. The travel fee should be reasonable and agreed upon with the client in advance.
- Loan Closing Notarization: For loan closings, where you facilitate the signing of mortgage documents, you may charge a higher fee due to the complexity and time involved.
- Remote Online Notarization: Maryland has recently authorized remote online notarization, allowing notaries to perform notarial acts using audio-visual technology. For these services, you may charge an additional fee to cover the costs associated with the technology and security measures.
It is important to disclose any additional charges to your clients upfront and in a clear manner. Transparency and fair pricing are essential for building trust and maintaining a successful notary business.
Conclusion
Launching and running a notary business in Maryland can be a fulfilling venture. By becoming a notary public, you have the opportunity to provide valuable services while earning a respectable income. Remember to meet the eligibility requirements, complete the necessary training and examination, and pay the required fees to obtain your notary commission.
Once you have your commission, you can begin offering notary services and charging fees for your valuable expertise. Remember to familiarize yourself with the standard fees for notarial acts and consider additional charges for specialized services like mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.
If you are interested in learning more about the notary profession or exploring related topics, please feel free to explore our other articles on this website. We are here to guide you every step of the way in your notary business journey!
