The Maryland State-Required Education for Renewing Notaries course refreshes your knowledge of Maryland Notary laws, procedures, and best practices while preparing you to renew your commission. Designed for current Maryland Notaries, the course covers the renewal process and the requirements for continuing to perform notarial acts properly and confidently.
Who Should Enroll
The course is designed for current Maryland Notaries who need to complete the state's required education to renew their commission. You may begin the renewal process up to 60 days before your current commission expires.
What You’ll Learn
Lesson 1 – Renewing Your Maryland Notary Commission
- Navigate the steps and timeline for renewing your commission
- Prepare the documents required for your renewal application
- Review your four-year commission term and statewide authority
- Know when to perform or refuse a notarization
Lesson 2 – The 5-Step Notarization Process
- Refresh your knowledge of the five-step notarization process
- Identify acceptable methods for verifying signer identity
- Know how to screen signers for willingness and awareness
- Complete journal entries and notarial certificates correctly
Lesson 3 – Specific Notarial Acts
- Refresh your knowledge of Maryland's authorized notarial acts
- Revisit acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations
- Apply proper procedures for witnessing signatures and certifying copies
- Recognize the requirements for specialized notarial acts
Lesson 4 – Special Circumstances
- Handle notarizations involving special circumstances
- Refresh your knowledge of Maryland's fee, travel, and advertising rules
- Manage commission changes and required state notifications
- Navigate unusual notarization situations correctly
Lesson 5 – Remote Notarization
- Review Maryland's requirements for remote notarization
- Understand how renewal affects your remote Notary authorization
- Verify signer identity during remote notarizations
- Maintain compliant electronic records, signatures, and seals
Lesson 6 – Notary Misconduct
- Recognize prohibited acts and potential misconduct
- Understand the limits of your authority as a Notary
- Review ways to prevent errors and reduce liability
- Understand how E&O insurance can help protect against mistakes
Certificate of Completion
After completing all six lessons, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion. Download and save your certificate to submit with your online Maryland Notary commission renewal application.