What are the requirements for becoming a notary public in Maryland?

To become a notary public in Maryland, there are several key requirements that one must meet. First and foremost, an applicant must be at least eighteen years of age and must be a resident of Maryland or maintain a place of employment or practice within the state. Additionally, the individual must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. A crucial step in the process involves completing an application, which should be submitted to the Maryland Secretary of State. The application requires personal information, including the applicant's name, residence address, and details regarding their employment. Once the application is approved, the applicant is required to take an oath of office and post a bond of ten thousand dollars. This bond ensures that the notary will perform their duties faithfully and honestly. Furthermore, the person must complete a notary training course, which is not mandatory, but highly recommended. After fulfilling these requirements, the notary public can begin to officially perform notarial acts. For the most current and detailed information, it may be helpful to visit the relevant web page of the Maryland Secretary of State.