How to Get Documents Notarized Near Columbia, Maryland - Fast & Legal

Marcus Chen
Marcus Chen
Last Updated
Need a notary public in Columbia, Maryland? Residents and businesses throughout Columbia, Maryland, frequently require notary services for important real estate documents, legal paperwork, and business contracts. Whether you live near the Mall in Columbia, commute along Route 29, or operate a business in the Oakland Mills Village Center, finding a reliable notary in Howard County is essential. Fortunately, you have options: many qualified notaries in Columbia, Maryland, offer both convenient mobile services, traveling to your location, as well as traditional in-person appointments.

Local Notary Services

Businesses Near Columbia, Maryland

  • 1. Notary Bunny

    10440 Little Patuxent Pkwy
    Ste 300
    Columbia, MD 21044
    0.8 miles away
    (240) 904-2222

  • 2. Polished Perfect Notary

    Columbia, MD 21046
    2.1 miles away
    (443) 386-1089

  • 3. Mail Plus

    9350 Snowden River Pkwy
    Ste F
    Columbia, MD 21045
    2.1 miles away
    (410) 381-7050

  • 4. Columbia Notary Services

    Columbia, MD 21045
    2.2 miles away
    (443) 339-9063

  • 5. Columbia Tax and Accounting Services

    8775 Cloudleap Ct
    Ste 231
    Columbia, MD 21045
    2.3 miles away
    (410) 929-9778

  • 6. Parcel Plus

    4725 Dorsey Hall Dr
    Ste A
    Ellicott City, MD 21042
    3.1 miles away
    (410) 740-0900

  • 7. Assurance Notary Signing Services

    Savage, MD 20763
    4.8 miles away
    (240) 604-5142

  • 8. EAC Notary Services

    Jessup, MD 20794
    5.0 miles away
    (240) 490-1495

  • 9. Off-Site Office Assistant

    North Laurel, MD 20723
    5.0 miles away
    (301) 708-4087

  • 10. Savage Process Service

    Savage, MD 20763
    5.1 miles away
    (240) 241-9306

What Can a Notary in Columbia, Maryland Help You With?

Notaries play an essential role in verifying and authenticating important documents. Whether you're handling personal, legal, or business paperwork, here are some of the most common reasons people need a notary:

  • Real estate closings and deed transfers
  • Power of attorney forms
  • Sworn affidavits and statements
  • Wills, trusts, and estate documents
  • Vehicle title transfers and bill of sale
  • Business agreements, contracts, and more

Mobile Notary Services in Columbia, Maryland

A mobile notary is a certified notary public who travels to your location — whether its your home, office, or another agreed-upon spot. This can be helpful when you’re dealing with sensitive documents, have limited mobility, or simply prefer an in-person signing.

Mobile notaries are often available near Columbia, Maryland, though availability can vary depending on time of day, demand, and travel distance.

Mobile Notary vs. Online Notary

  • Mobile Notary: Great for in-person meetings, but may involve travel fees, limited availability, and scheduling delays.
  • Online Notary: Legally valid in Columbia, Maryland, available 24/7, completed over secure video — often faster and more affordable.

How to Get a Document Notarized in Maryland

Getting a document notarized in Maryland typically involves three steps:

  1. Bring your unsigned document and valid ID to a licensed notary public.
  2. The notary will verify your identity and witness your signature.
  3. They’ll complete the notarial certificate and affix their seal.

For full rules, ID requirements, and document types, check the official Maryland notary public information page.

Notary Public Requirements in Maryland

Who Can Become a Notary?

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a legal resident of the state
  • Must not have felony convictions (in most cases)
  • Must complete a notary application and pay the state fee

Accepted Forms of ID

  • State-issued driver’s license or ID card
  • U.S. passport
  • Military ID
  • Permanent resident card (Green Card)

Types of Notarizations Allowed

  • Acknowledgments
  • Jurats (oaths/affirmations)
  • Copy certifications
  • Remote online notarizations (RON)

Legal Limitations

  • Cannot notarize your own signature
  • Cannot notarize documents where you have a direct interest
  • Must follow state-specific recordkeeping and ID verification laws

FAQs about Notaries in Columbia, Maryland

  • Can a notary also serve as a witness?

    In many states, yes — but laws vary. Some documents require a separate witness in addition to the notary.

  • Do I need to bring ID to a notary?

    Yes, most notaries require a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID.

  • Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

    Yes. A notary can refuse service if the signer lacks valid ID, appears coerced, or the document is incomplete or suspicious.

  • What is a mobile notary?

    A mobile notary travels to your location to notarize documents in person, often for an additional travel fee.

  • What happens if I sign the document before seeing the notary?

    Some notarizations require you to sign in front of the notary. If you signed early, you may need to redo the document or get a different type of notarization.