Maryland Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective October 1, 2020 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2019
- Statute
- Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 18-214 (and § 18-223)
- Bill Number
- SB 678 (2019 Md. Laws ch. 407), amended by SB 636 (2020 Md. Laws ch. 571)
Maryland RON Law Overview
Maryland authorized remote online notarization in 2019 by SB 678 (2019 Md. Laws ch. 407), amended by SB 636 (2020 Md. Laws ch. 571), codified at Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 18-214 (and § 18-223), effective October 1, 2020. A Maryland online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Maryland who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.
Key details for Maryland
Enacted by SB 678 (2019 Md. Laws ch. 407), amended by SB 636 (2020 Md. Laws ch. 571). Signer location: Anywhere; if outside the U.S., the record must relate to a U.S. court/government matter, U.S. property or a U.S.-connected transaction, and the notary must have no actual knowledge that the act is prohibited there. The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Maryland RON Requirements
Under Maryland law, every remote online notarization must take place via real-time audio-video communication between the notary and the signer. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. The notary is required to keep an electronic journal documenting each transaction and to use tamper-evident sealing on all notarized documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Document Restrictions
Maryland restricts certain document types from RON:
The Maryland Secretary of State's notary guidance states that wills and trust instruments may not be notarized remotely. We have not located the statutory provision behind that guidance in State Gov't § 18-214, so treat it as the commissioning office's position.
Interstate Recognition
Maryland recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 18-210).
Online Notary Availability in Maryland
Notaron is available 24/7 across Maryland. See location-specific guides for major Maryland cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 18-214 (and § 18-223). Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Maryland-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Maryland?
Maryland requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in Maryland?
Maryland requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does Maryland accept out-of-state RON?
Maryland recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 18-210).
Are there document restrictions for RON in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland restricts certain document types from being notarized via RON. The Maryland Secretary of State's notary guidance states that wills and trust instruments may not be notarized remotely. We have not located the statutory provision behind that guidance in State Gov't § 18-214, so treat it as the commissioning office's position. Check with local recording offices for the most current list of accepted document types.