Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a public official appointed by a state government to help deter fraud. A Notary Public witness the signature of important documents, and verifies the identity of the signer(s), their willingness to sign the documents and their being aware of the contents of the documents they are signing.

What type of identification is needed?

When you have your document notarized, you must provide proof of your identification (ID). Acceptable forms of ID include:

• State-issued driver's license
• State-issued identification card
• U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State
• U.S. military ID
• State, county, and local government IDs
• Permanent resident card, or "green card," issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

What is needed to notarize a document?

Identification and the document to be signed is needed. You provide the document(s) to be notarized, the notary verifies your identity, and then the notary watches as you sign it. The notary fills in the appropriate information and signs and embosses/stamps/certifies your document(s).

What documents cannot be notarized?

In the State of Maryland, a notary cannot notarize a passport, birth certificate, or school transcript. A notary in the State of Maryland does not have the power to certify the authenticity of any document- official or unofficial- other than the notary's registry.