For every commission, including a renewal, you must:

• A. Submit a fingerprint card
• B. Appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court
• C. File with the county clerk
• D. Take an oath before a judge

Answer: (B)

In Maryland, the official who handles notary appointments is the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county. For every commission and every renewal, you must personally appear there to take the oath of office and have the commission recorded by the Clerk. The oath is administered by the Clerk, not a judge, so taking it before a judge isn’t required. Fingerprint cards aren’t a standard part of obtaining a notary commission in Maryland, and there isn’t a separate filing with a different county office beyond what the Clerk handles. So the essential step is to appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court to complete the process.