Do I need to take a course to renew my Maryland Notary commission?

Yes. Maryland requires renewing Notaries Public to complete an approved **Course of Study** before submitting their renewal application. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that must be uploaded with your online renewal application.

 

Do I have to take an exam to renew my Maryland Notary commission?

No. The Maryland Secretary of State's current renewal instructions require renewal applicants to complete a Course of Study, but the examination requirement applies to **new notary applicants**.

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When can I renew my Maryland Notary commission?

You can begin the Maryland Notary renewal process **60 days before your current commission expires**. Maryland also allows renewal for up to **30 days after the expiration date**. If you do not renew within that 30-day period, you must apply for a new Notary commission instead.

 

What do I need to renew my Maryland Notary commission?

Maryland renewal applicants generally need their legislative district information, a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, an MVA Change of Address Card if the address on the ID does not match the application, and a certificate showing completion of the required Maryland Notary Course of Study.

 

How do I renew my Maryland Notary commission?

First, complete the required Maryland Notary renewal Course of Study and obtain your certificate of completion. You can then submit your renewal application online through the Maryland Secretary of State's notary system and upload your course certificate as part of the application.

 

How long does Maryland Notary renewal approval take?

The Maryland Secretary of State currently estimates that a renewal application takes about **10 minutes to complete**, with an estimated application determination of **1–3 days** for a complete renewal application. Missing or incorrect information may cause delays.

 

Do I have to get sworn in again when I renew my Maryland Notary commission?

Yes. Maryland requires a Notary Public to take the oath of office again each time a new commission is issued. After your renewal is approved, you will receive instructions directing you to the appropriate Clerk of the Circuit Court.

 

How long do I have to get sworn in after my Maryland Notary renewal is approved?

You must appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court and take your oath of office **within 30 days of the approval notification**. If you fail to appear within the required period, your renewed commission can be revoked and you may have to apply again.

 

How much does it cost to renew a Maryland Notary commission?

The Maryland Secretary of State currently charges a **$25 application fee** for the renewal application. After approval, the Clerk of the Circuit Court charges **$10 for the commission plus a $1 registration fee**. These state and court fees are separate from the cost of your required renewal course.

 

What happens if my Maryland Notary commission has already expired?

Maryland allows you to renew your Notary commission for up to **30 days after the expiration date**. If more than 30 days have passed, you must submit an application for a new Notary commission rather than a renewal.

 

Can I renew my Maryland Notary commission online?

Yes. Maryland Notary renewal applications are submitted online through the Maryland Secretary of State's notary application system. Your certificate showing completion of the required Course of Study is uploaded electronically with the renewal application.

 

What happens after I complete my Maryland Notary renewal course?

After successfully completing the course, you will receive a **certificate of completion**. Keep an electronic copy because it must be submitted with your Maryland Notary renewal application. Completing the course itself does not automatically renew your commission—you must still complete the state's renewal process.

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Do I need a new Notary seal after renewing?

You may need to update your Notary stamping device if information shown on it changes with your new commission. For example, if your stamp contains an expiration date, you cannot continue using an incorrect expiration date unless it can be removed or corrected as permitted.

 

What if I moved since my last Maryland Notary commission?

Your renewal application must contain your current home address. If the address on your government-issued identification does not match your current address, Maryland may require an MVA Change of Address Card. If you moved to a different Maryland county, your county of commission can change when you renew.

 

Where should I take my Maryland Notary renewal course?

Choose a Maryland-authorized provider offering the required Notary Public Course of Study. The Maryland Secretary of State maintains a list of authorized course providers.

 

Ready to Renew Your Maryland Notary Commission?

Complete your required Maryland Notary renewal education with attorney-led instruction focused on the laws, responsibilities and procedures Maryland Notaries need to know.​