The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Library is proud to offer notary services, available free of charge. Melissa Johnson, the Library’s Customer Service Supervisor, is now a licensed Notary Public.

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is licensed to witness the signature of certain documents and verify the signature for legal purposes. Under Maryland law, a notary public can:

• Take an acknowledgment of a record;
• Take a verification on oath or affirmation of a statement;
• Witness or attest to a signature;
• Certify or attest a copy of a record or an item that was copied;
• Certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record; and
• Make or note a protest of a negotiable instrument in accordance with § 3–505(b) of the Commercial Law Article.

Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public

When Might I Need a Notary Public?

You might need a notary to witness your signature of a document such as an auto title, mortgage agreement, or property deed. More common reasons for students might include a petition for change of classification for tuition, or a replacement diploma request. These are by no means the only documents for which you might need a notary, however. If you have a document that you believe needs to be notarized, please contact Melissa and confirm that she is able and willing to notarize it. Melissa reserves the right to refuse a request for notarization.

What Can’t a Notary Public Do?

A notary public is NOT licensed to practice law in Maryland, and is not allowed to draft legal records or give advice on legal matters, including immigration.

A notary public CAN notarize a document from, or for, another state as long as the document is notarized while the notary is physically present in Maryland.

What Do I Need to Bring with me for Notary Services?

You should bring the document you wish to have notarized, along with a current, unexpired government issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. (Note: The SMCM OneCard is not a valid form of ID for this purpose.) If you have questions about what kind of ID is appropriate, please contact Melissa.

Please fill out all necessary sections of your document ahead of time, but do NOT sign or date the document, as Melissa will need to witness your signature. If your document requires an additional witness, please bring your witness with you as well.

Where Do I Go for Notary Services?

Melissa is available at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Library. Notary services are available by appointment only, and Melissa reserves the right to refuse a request for notarization. She can be reached at (240) 895-4264 or majohnson2@smcm.edu.