Maryland Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Maryland is a certificate completed by a MD-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Maryland law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Maryland notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Maryland notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all MD notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$4
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Required
Journal
Maryland Acknowledgment Wording
Maryland law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Maryland county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Maryland Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Maryland's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County/City of _______________
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public of the State of Maryland, in and for _______________ County/City, personally appeared _______________, known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County/City of _______________
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public of the State of Maryland, personally appeared _______________, known to me to be the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the foregoing instrument on behalf of said entity for the purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County/City of _______________
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public of the State of Maryland, personally appeared _______________ and _______________, known to me to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument, and each acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Maryland Notary Requirements
Maryland has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Maryland notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $7,500 surety bond is required for Maryland notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Maryland
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is mandatory and required by law in Maryland
- Seal/Stamp: Maryland notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $4 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Maryland
Maryland does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Maryland must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by MD law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Maryland Notary Fees
Maryland regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Maryland.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $4 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $4 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $4 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Maryland Identification Requirements
Maryland notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Maryland.
Sample Maryland Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Maryland-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact MD statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF MARYLAND
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Maryland
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Maryland Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Maryland, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Maryland Resources
Use these official resources to verify Maryland notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Maryland Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Maryland, or that require MD notarization.
Maryland Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Maryland Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Maryland Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Maryland Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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