Circuit Court certification for notarized documents
Maryland will not apostille a notarized document until the Clerk of the Circuit Court has certified the notary. We take care of it.
Why Maryland has this step
Maryland notaries record their commission with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in their county. Before the Secretary of State can issue an apostille, the clerk confirms that the notary was commissioned on the date the document was signed and that the signature matches the record.
Most states let the Secretary of State check notaries directly. Maryland does not, so documents mailed to Annapolis without the court certification are sent back.
Which documents need it
- Powers of attorney
- Notarized diploma copies and transcripts
- Affidavits, sworn statements and travel consent letters
- Company resolutions and certificates of incumbency
- Any other document notarized in Maryland
Before you send it
- The notarial certificate must be complete: venue, date, the signer's name, the notary's signature and stamp.
- The notary's commission must have been valid on the date of notarization.
- Do not remove staples or separate pages after notarization.
Not sure if your notarization is complete? Email us a photo before you mail anything and we will check it for free.
Questions
Why does my notarized document need a Circuit Court certification?
Maryland requires the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the notary is commissioned to certify the notary's signature before the Secretary of State will issue the apostille. We handle this step for you.
Which Circuit Court certifies my notary?
The Circuit Court for the county where the notary public is commissioned. The county is usually printed on the notary's stamp or in the notarial certificate. Maryland has 24 Circuit Courts, one for each county and Baltimore City.
What if my notary's commission has expired?
The clerk will not certify a notary whose commission was not valid on the date of notarization. Check the expiration date on the stamp before you send the document. If it has a problem, have the document notarized again.
Is the court fee included in your price?
Our service fee includes the trip to the court. The court's own certification fee is passed through at cost and shown on your invoice.