Who is a Maryland notary appointed by and what do they do?

• A. Governor; to oversee the public as an impartial witness
• B. County Clerk; to certify property records
• C. Attorney General; to enforce notarial laws
• D. Secretary of State; to serve the public as an impartial witness

Answer: (D)

Maryland notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State and serve the public as impartial witnesses to the signing of documents. This means they observe the signing, verify the signer's identity and competence, and may administer oaths or take acknowledgments when needed. The other options don’t fit because the Governor doesn’t appoint notaries, a County Clerk certifies property records in other capacities, and the Attorney General enforces laws rather than appoints notaries. The key point is that the Secretary of State authorizes notaries to function as neutral witnesses to document signing.