Learn the skills to become a notary public and protect against fraud.
About This Program
Purpose
Notaries protect trust and serve on the front line of fraud defense, witnessing signatures and performing other acts required by state law. Consequently, notaries must be solidly grounded in the education needed to understand their role, perform basic and challenging notarial duties, learn new skills, and acquire certifications to provide accurate and superior notarial services.
Program Offerings
PGCC offers two courses of study for new and renewing notaries required by the Maryland Secretary of State Office. (See “Steps to Become a New Notary Public or Renew Your Notary Public Commission” below.) We also offer a separate certificate of course completion for students who successfully complete additional coursework.
Why Become a Notary?
Becoming a notary can boost your professional skills, enhance your resume, and open doors to running a mobile notary business. By obtaining additional credentials, notaries can also operate as notary signing agents and earn extra income by assisting with mortgage closings and seizing other lucrative opportunities.
Notary Public Qualifications
To be appointed as a notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be of good moral character.
- Be a Maryland resident or have a place of employment and/or practice in the state.
- If you are a Maryland resident, you must be appointed by the senator representing the district in which you live. If you live outside of Maryland, you must be a resident of a state that allows Maryland residents working there to serve as notaries.
How to Obtain or Renew Your Notary Public Commission
- Effective October 1, 2021, the Maryland Secretary of State requires all new notary applicants to complete a course of study and pass an examination. All renewing applicants must complete a course of study; no examination is required.
- Complete either Becoming a Notary Public or Renewing Your Notary Commission classes and obtain your certificates of completion.
- After completing the course of study requirements, you can apply to become a Notary Public or renew your notary commission online by clicking here.
- Note: You must have the certificates referenced in Step #2 to apply to become a Notary or renew your notary commission.
Additional Certificate Coursework
Students who successfully complete the following core courses will be eligible to receive a certificate of course completion from PGCC:
- GEN-307 Notary Public Procedures
- GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
- GEN-363 Advanced Notarial Procedures
Additional post-certificate courses are available to help build, market, and grow your notarial business. Classes fill quickly, so registering early for all courses can guarantee your seat.
Courses for New and Renewing Notary Commissions
- Choose question
Core Courses for College Certificate of Completion
- Choose question
eLearning Methods at PGCC
Online
Learning on Your Own Time
Students taking an online class can access course content 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and engage in discussions using Canvas with their instructors and fellow learners. Instructors will set deadlines and due dates for assignments, tests, projects, and other coursework.
Remote
Learning in Real Time
Students taking a remote class will meet online via the Canvas platform at scheduled times. Students will access learning materials, view assignments, and participate in discussions via Canvas.
How to Register
Registering online via Owl Link is the fastest and gives you the best chance to get the classes you want. You’ll need an email address and a credit card to register online.
- If you have enrolled before, click here to log in and register.
- If you are a new student, click here to create a student account. Follow the prompts. You’ll receive two emails with your login name and password information. Use these to log in to Owl Link from www.pgcc.edu.
Registration Instructions
View these instructions for logging in to Owl Link and registering for Continuing Education classes.
Submit a Registration Form
Students are encouraged to register for classes on their own through Owl Link but may also submit a registration form online to the Office of Records and Registration.