MD Notary MD Notary Law and Statutes 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Maryland code governs notarial acts in the state?
- The Maryland Notarial Acts Act (Maryland Code, State Government Article, §§ 18-101 et seq.) (Correct answer)
- The Maryland Real Property Article
- The Maryland Business and Occupations Article
- The Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article
Correct answer: The Maryland Notarial Acts Act (Maryland Code, State Government Article, §§ 18-101 et seq.)
Maryland's notary law is codified in the State Government Article, Title 18, which governs all notarial acts.
Question 2: Which state official in Maryland commissions notaries public?
- The Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- The Governor
- The Attorney General
- The State Comptroller
Correct answer: The Secretary of State
The Maryland Secretary of State is the commissioning authority for notaries public in the state.
Question 3: How long is a Maryland notary commission term?
- 4 years (Correct answer)
- 2 years
- 5 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 4 years
Maryland notary commissions are issued for a term of 4 years.
Question 4: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Maryland?
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- 16 years old
- 25 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
An applicant must be at least 18 years of age to be commissioned as a notary public in Maryland.
Question 5: Which of the following would DISQUALIFY an applicant from receiving a Maryland notary commission?
- A felony conviction that has not been pardoned (Correct answer)
- Being a non-attorney
- Living in a county with few notaries
- Working part-time rather than full-time
Correct answer: A felony conviction that has not been pardoned
A felony conviction is disqualifying unless the applicant has received a full pardon, as it reflects on the applicant's honesty and integrity.
Question 6: A Maryland notary who moves to a different county within the state must do which of the following?
- Notify the Secretary of State of the address change (Correct answer)
- Resign and reapply for a new commission in the new county
- Obtain a new seal reflecting the new county
- No action is required; the commission remains fully valid
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State of the address change
Maryland notaries are commissioned statewide and must notify the Secretary of State of any address changes, but the commission remains valid statewide.
MD Notary MD Notary Law and Statutes 1
Which Maryland code governs notarial acts in the state?