Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a trustworthy official designated by the state government — usually by the Secretary of State — to act as an unbiased witness in carrying out various official fraud-prevention tasks associated with the signing of crucial documents. These tasks are referred to as notarizations or notarial acts. Notaries are publicly appointed as "ministerial" officials, which implies that they must adhere to established guidelines without exercising considerable personal judgment, unlike a "judicial" official. - National Notary Association
What documents can a notary notarize?
Common documents we notarize include:
Power of Attorney (POA)
Wills & Trusts
Deeds & Real Estate Documents
Loan Closing Packages
Affidavits & Sworn Statements
Medical Directives
Business Contracts
What is a Loan Signing Agent?
A Notary Signing Agent is a Notary who has been trained to handle loan documents in real estate transactions. Lenders and title companies hire Signing Agents as independent contractors to assist in the last step of the loan process, which enables the loan to be funded. - National Notary Association
Do I need to bring identification to the notary?
Yes! You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. The ID ensures the signer is who they claim to be.
Can a notary provide legal advice or draft documents?
No. Notaries are impartial witnesses. While we can notarize your documents, we cannot create, interpret, or give legal advice about them. Always consult an attorney if you need legal guidance.
How much does a notary charge in Maryland?
In Maryland, notary fees are regulated by law. Typically, fees range from $8 per notarial act, plus additional charges for mobile/travel services. At MDNotary4Us, we provide transparent, upfront pricing, so there are no surprises.
Can a notary come to my home or office?
Absolutely! MDNotary4Us specializes in mobile notary services, which means we can meet you at your home, office, hospital, or any convenient location.
Are online notary services (e-notary or RON) available in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland allows Remote Online Notarization (RON). At MDNotary4Us, we are authorized to handle secure digital notarizations via Proof, making the process simple and convenient from anywhere.