An affidavit is based upon either the personal knowledge of the affiant or his or her information and belief. Personal knowledge is the recognition of particular facts by either direct observation or experience. Information and belief is what the affiant feels he or she can state as true, although not based on firsthand knowledge.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
Current Status of Remote Notarization Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia have a law that allows for remote e-notarization (see list below). A number of these states have developed rules or regulations, and others are in the process of doing so.
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.
Does Maryland allow remote notarizations? Yes, Senate Bill 678 was signed into law and takes effect October 1, 2020. With this new law, Maryland Notaries can register to perform remote notarizations for signers in any location as long as the Notary is physically located within the state.
Failure to appear within 30 days will result in revocation of your commission. ​​Complete ApplicationApplication Determination New notary application 15 minutes 2-14 days Renewal notary application 10 minutes 1-3 days Remote notary notification form 5 minutes 1-3 days
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.
Online notary is legal in Maryland under Maryland Code, Article-State Gov't § 18-201. Maryland law also recognizes and accepts online notarizations performed by out-of-state notaries under their state rules. (See Maryland State Government Section 19-103.)
However, some businesses that need notaries, such as law firms, title companies, and banks, rely on them constantly. Think about it: any organization handling important agreements, financial transactions, or legal documents will likely have a steady need for a notary public's expertise.
