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Notary Public Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 4 stops $50–$200 est. 2–4 weeks to complete all steps and receive commission
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Maryland

2 stops

  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 for Maryland Notary Public Commission (opens in a new tab)

    $25 application fee (Secretary of State) + $11 Clerk of Court fee at oath4–6 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/yearImmediate

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

1 stop

  1. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license for a notary or mobile notary business. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning. Maryland notaries are commissioned by the Maryland Secretary of State; no separate Annapolis city business license applies.

    Official government source for Annapolis — No General Business License Required (opens in a new tab)

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$200 · 2–4 weeks to complete all steps and receive commission

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