Is a journal required for Maryland notaries?

Yes, Maryland law requires every notary to maintain a journal of all notarial acts performed for the duration of their commission [4](https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/025000/025011/20210155e.pdf).

What fees can a Maryland notary charge?

Maryland law sets maximum fees for original and remote notarial acts. Mobile notaries should agree on travel fees with the client before the service is provided.

Can a Maryland mobile notary charge a travel fee?

Yes, notaries in Maryland are allowed to charge a travel fee, but the fee and calculation method must be agreed upon with the client beforehand.

Maryland (MD)

Mobile Notary Publics Professional Liability Insurance in Maryland

Maryland mobile notaries are adapting to significant new requirements as of 2024, including mandatory education and examination for new applicants to ensure a high level of professional knowledge. With a four-year commission term and a strict requirement to maintain a journal for all notarial acts, Maryland notaries are held to a high standard of accountability. While the state does not require a surety bond, Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is highly recommended to protect mobile notaries from the financial consequences of mistakes made while traveling to various client locations across the state.

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Mobile Notary Publics in Maryland at a glance

Commission Term: 4 years
Surety Bond: Not Required
Journal Requirement: Mandatory
Examination: Required (New as of 2024)

2024 Maryland Education and Exam Rules

Effective January 2024, all new applicants for a Maryland notary commission must complete a course of study and pass a written examination [5](https://sos.maryland.gov/Notary/Pages/NewApplicant.aspx). This requirement ensures that mobile notaries have a thorough understanding of Maryland's notary laws and their responsibilities as public officials. The commission is valid for four years, and renewals also require the completion of a course of study to keep notaries informed of legal changes. This educational mandate is particularly important for mobile notaries who must often handle complex documents without immediate access to legal guidance.

Maryland notaries are commissioned by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Secretary of State and the applicant's State Senator. For mobile notaries, this multi-step vetting process emphasizes their role as impartial witnesses and the importance of following state-mandated identification and certificate standards. Traveling notaries must be diligent in verifying the identity and competence of every signer they meet, ensuring that all notarial acts are performed in accordance with the latest Maryland Handbook for Notaries Public.

Mandatory Journal and Recordkeeping in MD

Maryland law requires all notaries to maintain a journal of every notarial act performed [4](https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/025000/025011/20210155e.pdf). This journal must be kept in a secure, locked location under the notary's exclusive control. For mobile notaries, this record serves as the official evidence of their work, capturing the date, time, and type of act, along with the identification method used for every signer met in the field. The journal must also include a description of the document and the fee charged for the notarial act.

A well-maintained journal is a mobile notary's best defense against claims of forgery or negligence. In the event of a legal dispute involving a property transfer, a power of attorney, or a business contract, the notary's journal entry provides a contemporaneous account that can be used to rebut allegations of misconduct years after the notarization took place. For mobile professionals, the journal also helps in tracking business activity and ensuring that all traveling assignments are properly documented for tax and insurance purposes.

Managing Liability for Maryland Mobile Notaries

Maryland does not require notaries to maintain a surety bond [3](https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/018000/018112/unrestricted/20132131e.pdf), which means there is no state-mandated financial cushion to cover professional mistakes. Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is the only way for a mobile notary to protect their personal assets from the costs of legal defense and potential damages arising from a professional error. Without this coverage, a notary could face significant financial hardship even if a claim against them is eventually dismissed.

For mobile notaries, who often handle sensitive legal and financial documents in various settings like hospitals, corporate offices, and private homes, the risk of a clerical error or an identification mistake is a constant reality. E&O insurance specifically for Maryland notaries provides coverage for these risks, including the costs associated with defending against lawsuits. It is an essential safeguard that allows mobile professionals to provide their services with the confidence that their business and personal finances are secure.

Mobile Notary Publics FAQs for Maryland

General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the Maryland Insurance Administration or talk with a licensed US Professional Insure agent.