New notary laws went into effect on October 1, 2020. The new laws contain extensive changes. The updated Notary Public Handbook reflects the changes in the law. The Handbook is available online: https://sos.maryland.gov/Notary/Pages/default.aspx
How do I apply to become a Notary Public?
Applications or information for a Notary Public Commission can be obtained from the Secretary of State in Annapolis, Maryland or you may download the application at the Secretary of State's Website.
Once the application has been submitted and approved, you will be notified to appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court, to take the oath of office and receive your Notary Commission (see information below).
Clerk's Office Licensing Department Location
Licensing Department (across from the Circuit Court Courthouse)
7 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3489 or 410-638-3586
[email protected]
Office Hours – 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday thru Friday (except State Holidays)
- Walk-in commissioning after confirmation of commission received- 8:30am to 4:15pm
- Walk-in authentications of a Harford County Notary Public 8:30am-4:15pm.
How do I get sworn in as a Notary Public?
Notaries that have received approval letters from the Secretary of State may email [email protected] to see if the commission has been received in the Clerk's Office.
Notaries that have confirmed their commission is at the courthouse, must visit the Licensing Department of the Clerk’s Office for Harford County, 7 West Courtland Street, between 8:30am and 4:15pm to take the oath of office. The $11.00 oath of office fee is in addition to the $11 fee previously paid to the Secretary of State for the notary application and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash, check or Money Order. Make checks payable to the Clerk of the Court.
How do I get an Authentication of a Notary Public?
Authentication(s) may be obtained in-person at the licensing office or by mail: Clerk of the Circuit Court for Harford County, 20 W. Courtland Street, Bel Air, Maryland 21014. Authentications of notarized document(s) must be taken to the county where the notary was commissioned. The Clerk of Court for Harford County can only authenticate a Harford County notary. The fee is $1.00 per authentication. Cash, check, or credit cards are acceptable - checks should be made payable to the Clerk of Court.
How do I get an Apostille or State or County Issued Document Certified?
For information on obtaining an Apostille or State or County Issued Document Certified please visit the Secretary of State's Website.
For additional questions for the Clerk's Office Licensing Department, please email [email protected].