MD NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MD NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How long must a Maryland notary retain a journal of notarial acts performed on paper documents? → The journal is optional; no retention period is mandated
2. What is the requirement for recording a notarized real estate document in Maryland? → The document must be notarized with a black ink seal
3. After a Maryland notary changes their name, what must they do regarding their seal before performing further notarial acts? → Obtain a new commission and seal reflecting the updated name before notarizing
4. Which of the following describes a 'proof of execution by a subscribing witness' in Maryland? → A notarial act where a witness testifies that they saw the principal sign the document
5. What does Maryland law require a notary to do if they cannot communicate with a signer due to a language barrier? → Decline to perform the notarial act or use a qualified interpreter
6. Under Maryland law, what happens if a notary performs a notarial act with a conflict of interest (e.g., notarizing their own signature)? → The notarial act is voidable and the notary may face disciplinary action
7. When a Maryland notary's commission is revoked or expires, what must happen to the notary's official seal? → The notary must destroy or disable the seal so it cannot be used
8. How can Maryland notaries find local networking opportunities through associations? → All of the above
9. Which information is NOT required to be recorded in a Maryland electronic notary's journal? → The signer's home address
10. A notary discovers their stamp has been stolen. What is the immediate required action in Maryland? → Notify the Secretary of State and, if appropriate, file a police report
11. What is the primary role of a notary public in real estate transactions in Maryland? → To verify the identities of signers and witness signatures
12. Which of the following is a 'notarial act' under Maryland law? → Administering an oath or affirmation
13. What is the maximum fee a Maryland notary may charge for performing a remote online notarization (RON)? → $25 per notarial act
14. Which notarial act involves a Maryland notary witnessing a signer place their signature on a document? → Witnessing or attesting a signature
15. A Maryland notary's seal impression is smudged and illegible on a document. What should the notary do? → Re-affix a clear, legible seal impression on the same document
16. A Maryland electronic notary (e-notary) is required to maintain a journal. How long must the journal be retained after the commission expires? → 10 years
17. Can Maryland notary associations help with issues related to notarial errors or disputes? → Yes, they offer support and resources for resolving such issues
18. During a Remote Online Notarization, where must the Maryland notary be physically located? → In Maryland
19. What must be stated in the electronic notarial certificate for a Remote Online Notarization in Maryland? → That the notarial act was performed using communication technology
20. What information is REQUIRED to appear on a Maryland notary's official seal or stamp? → The notary's name as commissioned, the state 'Maryland,' and the words 'Notary Public'
21. Can a signer be located outside of Maryland during a Remote Online Notarization performed by a Maryland notary? → Yes, the signer may be located anywhere
22. Which of the following best describes Maryland's 'tangible symbol' requirement for a notarial act on a paper document? → The notary's signature and official seal must be affixed to the notarial certificate
23. A Maryland notary charges $6 for a single acknowledgment on a paper document. What has occurred? → The notary has violated the statutory fee cap
24. What action should a Maryland notary take if they make a mistake on a notarized document? → Notify the parties involved and issue a new notarization
25. What should a Maryland notary do if they suspect that a signer is being coerced or is not fully understanding the document? → Refuse to notarize the document
26. Throughout which geographic area is a Maryland notary commission valid? → The entire state of Maryland
27. What is the purpose of the notary training course in Maryland? → To teach the legal responsibilities and duties of a notary
28. What is credential analysis in the context of Remote Online Notarization? → Automated or manual examination of the signer's government-issued ID for authenticity
29. A Maryland notary who is also a licensed attorney is subject to which set of rules? → Both Maryland notary law and Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys
30. For a jurat in Maryland, when must the signer sign the document? → In the notary's presence at the time of the notarial act