Notary Public Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 4 stops $50–$200 est. 2–4 weeks to complete all steps and receive commission
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Notary Public Commission

    Apply through the Maryland Secretary of State for a 4-year notary commission. Applicants must be 18+, meet residency/employment requirements, complete a course of study and pass an examination, and take the oath of office before the Clerk of the Circuit Court within 30 days of approval.

    Official government source

    $25 application fee (Secretary of State) + $11 Clerk of Court fee at oath4–6 weeks

  2. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

    While not required in Maryland, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.

    $40–$80/yearImmediate

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

1 stop

  1. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license for a notary or mobile notary business. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning. Maryland notaries are commissioned by the Maryland Secretary of State; no separate Annapolis city business license applies.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$200 · 2–4 weeks to complete all steps and receive commission

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