Notary Public Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

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

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

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 oath·4–6 weeks

   $25 application fee (Secretary of State) + $11 Clerk of Court fee at oath

   4–6 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/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

1. No Local Business License Required for Notary Services

   Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County with no city government, so no city business license exists. Neither Maryland nor Montgomery County requires a general business license, and notary or signing-agent services are not among the activities licensed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Your notary commission itself is issued by the Maryland Secretary of State; no separate local business license is required.

   Official government source

   $0 — no local business license exists·Not applicable

   $0 — no local business license exists

   Not applicable

Official Sources

• Maryland — Notary Public Requirements
• Maryland Secretary of State

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