Notary Cost in Maryland: 2026 Guide
If you need a document notarized in Maryland in 2026, the price depends mainly on whether the act is performed in person or remotely. Maryland's official fee schedule allows a notary to charge up to $8 for an original in-person notarial act or up to $30 for a remote notarial act.
Those are legal maximums, not promises that every provider will charge the same amount or be available when you need one. Travel, mileage, extra copies, witnesses, document preparation, and other separate services can affect the total.
Maryland Notary Fees in 2026
Effective January 22, 2024, Maryland's notary regulations authorize the following maximum charges, which remain the applicable published amounts for this 2026 guide:
| Service | Maryland Maximum | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Original in-person notarial act | Up to $8 | The fee for performing the act itself |
| Remote notarial act | Up to $30 | The maximum for an authorized remote act |
| Additional copy of the same record | Up to $4 per signature | Applies when copies are signed at the same time by the same signer or signers |
| Photocopy or journal reproduction | Up to $2 per copy | For reproductions furnished by the notary |
| Certified copy of a journal record | Up to $6 | For a certified journal copy |
| Travel | Up to $5 plus mileage | Mileage may be reimbursed at the prevailing IRS business rate |
Always ask for the full price before booking, especially if the notary will travel, the document has several signers, or you need multiple notarized originals.
Is the Maryland Fee Charged Per Document or Per Signature?
The answer depends on the service and the number of notarial acts. One document can contain more than one notarized signature or more than one certificate. Ask the notary to review the request and explain how many acts are required before quoting the total.
Do not assume that a long document automatically costs more. What usually matters is the number and type of notarial acts, the number of signers, whether the service is remote, and whether extra services are requested.
Where Can You Find a Notary in Maryland?
Maryland residents commonly check banks, credit unions, shipping stores, law offices, title companies, libraries, mobile notaries, and independent notaries. Availability and customer policies vary, so call before traveling.
- Ask whether a notary will be present at the time you plan to visit
- Confirm whether appointments are required
- Describe the document and requested notarial act
- Ask what identification is accepted
- Request the total price, including travel or other separate services
What to Bring to an In-Person Notary
- The complete document, with no missing pages
- Acceptable, current government-issued photo identification
- Any witnesses required by the document or receiving party
- Payment in a method the notary accepts
- Instructions from the receiving agency, if available
Do not leave important blanks in the document. Also avoid signing in advance when the notarial act requires the notary to witness the signature or administer an oath.
Does Maryland Allow Remote Online Notarization?
Yes. Maryland law permits an authorized Maryland notary who is located in the state to perform a notarial act for a remotely located signer using compliant communication technology. The process may require identity verification, credential analysis, identity proofing, and an audio-video recording.
Maryland law also makes clear that no receiving person or organization is required to accept a remotely notarized transaction. Before paying, confirm that the agency, school, court, employer, title company, or other recipient will accept an electronic record completed through remote notarization.
Maryland In-Person Notary vs Online Notary
| Feature | In-Person Notary | Online Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland fee limit | Up to $8 for an original act | Up to $30 for a remote act |
| Travel | May require a trip or mobile-notary fee | Completed from a suitable location with internet |
| Availability | Depends on local hours and staffing | May offer more flexible scheduling |
| Document format | Often paper-based | Often completed as an electronic record |
| Acceptance | Confirm recipient requirements | Confirm recipient accepts remote electronic notarization |
When Notary20 May Be a Convenient Option
If your document is eligible and the recipient accepts remote online notarization, Notary20 offers a simple flat price of $20 per document. This can be useful when local availability is uncertain, you prefer not to travel, or you want the completed file returned electronically.
For broader national pricing context, see the Online Notary Cost Guide.
Official Maryland Sources
- Maryland Secretary of State: Notary FAQ and fee schedule
- COMAR 01.02.08.02: Charges and Fees
- Maryland State Government 18-214: Remote notarial acts
Start Your Online Notarization
Confirm acceptance with the receiving party, prepare your complete document and identification, and then submit your request.
FAQ
What is the maximum notary fee in Maryland in 2026?
Maryland allows up to $8 for an original standard notarial act and up to $30 for a remote notarial act.
Can a Maryland notary charge for travel?
Yes. The published regulation permits reimbursement at the prevailing IRS business mileage rate and a travel fee of up to $5 when travel is required.
Can I notarize a document online in Maryland?
Maryland authorizes remote notarization under specific rules. The notary must be properly authorized and use compliant procedures, and the recipient must be willing to accept the result.
How much does Notary20 charge?
Notary20's established offer is $20 per eligible document. Confirm that your receiving party accepts remote online notarization before ordering.
Should I sign before meeting the notary?
Follow the instructions for the required notarial act. If the signature must be witnessed or sworn, wait and sign as instructed by the notary.