How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Maryland
How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Maryland
Becoming a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Maryland opens up exciting opportunities to notarize documents online from anywhere. With a RON commission, you can serve clients remotely, expand your business, and enjoy flexible work options. This guide provides a step-by-step process using official information from the Maryland Secretary of State and the National Notary Association.
Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Maryland?
Yes! Maryland passed Senate Bill 678, effective October 1, 2020, allowing notaries to perform remote notarizations. Notaries must be physically located in Maryland, but signers can be anywhere. This law makes remote notarizations fully legal, secure, and recognized statewide.
Requirements to Become a RON in Maryland
Before becoming a RON, you must:
Hold a current traditional Notary Public commission in Maryland.
Be at least 18 years old.
Be of good character, integrity, and ability.
Live or work in Maryland (for initial traditional commission, the residency requirement no longer applies after Oct 1, 2021).
Have a computer with webcam, microphone, and secure internet connection.
Obtain digital notary supplies, including an electronic signature, eSeal, and electronic journal.
Maryland does not require a surety bond, but Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is highly recommended to protect against mistakes.
Step-by-Step Process
Hold a Traditional Notary Commission – Make sure your Maryland Notary Public commission is active.
Select a RON Technology Provider – Choose a platform that meets Maryland state requirements, including identity proofing and credential analysis.
Complete the Remote Notary Notification Form – Download the form from the Maryland SOS site and fill it out.
Submit Registration – Send the completed form along with a copy of your current commission to remotenotary.sos@maryland.gov.
Set Up Your Equipment – Ensure your computer, camera, microphone, and internet connection are ready for secure, live audio-video notarizations.
Once registered, your RON registration is valid until your traditional commission expires.
Fees and Approved RON Providers
Traditional Notary Commission Fee: Paid during standard notary application.
RON Platform Fees: Varies by provider, typically under $100 to several hundred dollars.
Maximum Remote Notarization Fee: $30 per notarization in Maryland.
RON Providers: Maryland does not endorse specific vendors, but your provider must meet state security and identity verification requirements.
How to Start Making Money as a Remote Notary
Remote notarizations save time and open opportunities to work with clients nationwide. Here’s how to monetize your skills:
Market your services online via social media, websites, and notary directories.
Join RON platforms to receive notarization requests from businesses and individuals.
Offer additional services, such as loan signing or document preparation, to increase revenue.
Ready to start earning as a Remote Online Notary?
Watch this video on How to Make Money as a Notary to learn proven strategies.
Then enroll in the Roadmap to RON Course. Your complete step-by-step guide to launching a successful Remote Online Notary business.
Join a supportive community for more tips: FB Group
Conclusion
Becoming a Remote Online Notary in Maryland is a fantastic way to expand your notary business while working flexibly. By following the steps above and using official resources, you can legally notarize documents online, serve clients nationwide, and grow a thriving business.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult the appropriate state laws or a qualified professional before taking action.
