Here are the top twelve most common errors made by notaries: Making an Illegible Notary Stamp Impression. Improper Storage of Your Notary Stamp and Journal. Not Determining the Signer's Competency and Willingness to Sign. Notarizing for Close Relatives. Failing to Remain Properly Trained.
Acknowledgement and jurat certificates are the two most common notarial acts, yet, for many signers, there is confusion about the difference between these forms. Some notaries even find it difficult to remember which procedures apply to which certificate.
The important thing is that you are located in Maryland since that is where you are authorized to act as a Notary Public. ​If you are commissioned as a Notary Public in a state other than Maryland, you cannot use your Maryland notary seal when notarizing in that other state.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
This state-approved online Notary education and examination fulfill Maryland's state requirement for all new Notary applicants.
Applications for Notary Public Commission can be obtained from the Secretary of State's website. Once your application has been submitted and approved, you will be notified by the Secretary of State's office to appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court to take the oath of office and receive your Notary Commission.
California. California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
New York. New York has one of the toughest tests to become a Notary. The Empire State requires Notary applicants to take and pass an exam in order to receive a commission. However, the state does not require any training so applicants are on their own to learn the material covered in the exam.
The state with the toughest minimum score is... North Carolina. This state requires a passing score of 80% in order to receive a commission, among the strictest in the country. Applicants to renew a commission also have to take a test.