Get Your Maryland-Compliant Notary Seal

Maryland notaries must use an official seal or stamp that clearly identifies their authority, jurisdiction, and commission details. While the state does not dictate a specific shape or ink color, it does require certain information to be displayed every time a notarial act is performed. These rules apply equally to physical stamps, embossers, and electronic seals used during e-notarizations or remote online notarizations.

Notaries benefit from understanding both the legal requirements and best practices so their documents remain valid, readable, and properly authenticated.

The following section breaks down what Maryland law requires for every official stamp.

Core Required Text (Paper and Electronic)

Maryland requires every notary seal or electronic stamp to display:
• The notary’s full commissioned name
• The title “Notary Public”
• The county (or City of Baltimore) where the notary is commissioned
• The notary’s commission expiration date (either on the seal or within the certificate)

These elements must be clear, readable, and reproducible on photocopies and scans.

Designing A Paper Notary Seal That Meets Maryland Rules

Maryland allows flexibility in the design of physical notary stamps and embossers, provided all mandatory text appears and is legible. This gives notaries room to choose round or rectangular formats, various border styles, and different ink colors, as long as the impression copies clearly.

Most professional notaries select clean and simple layouts because many Maryland documents are scanned or uploaded. A clear impression helps prevent rejection by clerks, lenders, or agencies.

Below is guidance on layout, color, and format that remains fully compliant.

Shape, Border, and Layout

Maryland does not mandate a specific size; however, round stamps often measure approximately 1⅝ inches, and rectangular stamps typically fall between 1×2½ inches and 1×3 inches. Both formats work as long as the text is readable. A thin border helps distinguish the seal without overwhelming the document.

Ink and Visibility

Ink must produce a clear impression that can be easily copied. Dark inks such as black or blue are the most reliable. Light or metallic inks risk fading or failing to reproduce on scans, which can invalidate a notarization.

Sample Compliant Paper Seal Designs

Round Example:
JANE A. DOE
NOTARY PUBLIC – STATE OF MARYLAND
COMMISSIONED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
COMMISSION EXPIRES: 04/30/2028

Rectangular Example:
JANE A. DOE
NOTARY PUBLIC
CITY OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
COMMISSION EXPIRES: 11/30/2028

Building A Maryland-Compliant Electronic Notary Seal

Electronic seals are used for e-notarizations and remote online notarizations (RON). Maryland views electronic seals as digital equivalents of physical stamps. This means the same required text must be present and readable in every digital format.

An electronic seal must be logically associated with the document and capable of being copied, ensuring the notarial act is verifiable even when viewed on different devices.

Professional notaries should ensure their electronic seal matches their physical seal in both clarity and content.

Requirements for Electronic Seals

The electronic seal typically appears as a PNG or embedded image. It must display the notary’s name, title, commissioning county or city, and commission expiration date (unless the certificate already includes this information). The seal must remain crisp when zoomed or printed.

RON System Compatibility

Maryland requires notaries performing remote online notarizations to use state-authorized platforms. These systems embed electronic seals, signatures, and audio-video records in compliance with state law.

Sample Electronic Seal Layout

JANE A. DOE

NOTARY PUBLIC

COMMISSIONED IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND

COMMISSION EXPIRES: 03/22/2028

What To Do If Your Seal Is Lost, Stolen, or Your Commission Ends

Maryland considers the notary’s stamping device a personal responsibility, regardless of whether the notary or an employer purchased it. Notaries must safeguard their seal from misuse, and state law gives clear steps for reporting a loss, addressing theft, and disabling the device at the end of a commission.

These requirements apply equally to physical stamps, embossers, and electronic seals used in e-notary or RON systems. Swift action protects the public, prevents fraud, and shields the notary from liability.

Lost or Stolen Seal Protocol

If a notary’s seal is lost or stolen, the notary must promptly notify the Secretary of State. The notary must provide name, address, commissioning county, and the date of the incident, along with a police report or case number if applicable.

End-of-Commission Requirements

When a commission expires, or the notary resigns or is revoked, the notary must destroy or disable the stamping device so it cannot be used. Electronic seals must be deleted, and associated credentials must be deactivated.

How Notary Public Association Helps Maryland Notaries Stay Compliant

Maryland notaries often worry whether their seal meets every legal requirement. Notary Public Association provides guidance, support, and access to pre-approved vendors who meet Maryland’s strict rules.

The Association ensures notaries always have the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to maintain Maryland-compliant practices.

Support Services Offered

• Pre-approved Maryland-compliant seal templates
• Guidance for physical, digital, and RON-friendly seal formats
• Assistance with lost or stolen seal reporting
• Renewal support and seal updates when names or counties changeordable, enforceable documents. Enhanced training strengthens your skills and reduces risk in every closing.