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. Silver Spring Business License (if operating a notary business)

   If you operate a standalone notary business (notary signing agent services, mobile notary, etc.) in Silver Spring, you generally need a Business License from the city. If notarization is incidental to another profession (e.g., attorney, bank teller), a separate business license may not be required.

   Official government source

   $25–$100/year·1–3 weeks

   $25–$100/year

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Maryland — Notary Public Requirements
• Maryland Secretary of State

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