Maryland Updates Provisions Related to Notarial Acts

Recently, Maryland passed House Bill 663, which updated and modified certain provisions related to remote notarial acts.  Among other matters, the bill removed limitations that would prevent a notary public providing remote notarial acts using communication technology for actions related to wills and trusts, and explicitly authorized remote acknowledgments of tangible documents.

The bill also increased the maximum fees that can be charged for an original notarial act from $4 to $25, and up to $50 for the performance of a notarial act using communication technology.  Further, the bill provided that identity proofing is only required as necessary when performing notarial acts for remotely located individuals.

These provisions became effective on June 1, 2022.