State of Maryland Official Notary Seal Requirements
A notary must include on each document the notary’s printed name, signature, date of notarization, and expiration date of his or her commission. In addition, the notary must affix his or her notary seal or stamp to the document.
The notary seal must contain:
- The name of the notary as shown on the commission
- The county where commissioned
- The words "Notary Public."
The notary seal ensures the integrity and authenticity of the document.
You may not purchase a notary seal or stamp until you have been commissioned.
A notary must maintain a registry of all notarial acts performed. Registries should be retained for at least five years. This requirement serves to protect the notary public and as a record of the notary's official acts.
Please note that Maryland law requires that you record every official act you perform as a notary public in your registry.