Maryland § 18-204
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 18-204, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-204.
(a) A notarial officer who takes an acknowledgment of a record shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual in accordance with § 18–206 of this subtitle, that:
(1) the individual appearing before the notarial officer and making the acknowledgment has the identity claimed; and
(2) the signature on the record is the signature of the individual.
(b) A notarial officer who takes a verification on oath or affirmation of a statement shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual in accordance with § 18–206 of this subtitle, that:
(1) the individual appearing before the notarial officer and making the verification has the identity claimed; and
(2) the signature on the statement verified is the signature of the individual.
(c) A notarial officer who witnesses or attests to a signature shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual in accordance with § 18–206 of this subtitle, that the individual appearing before the notarial officer and signing the record has the identity claimed.
(d) A notarial officer who certifies or attests a copy of a record or an item that was copied shall determine that the copy is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction of the record or item.
(e) (1) A notarial officer who certifies that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record shall:
(i) reasonably determine whether the electronic record is in a tamper–evident format; and
(ii) personally print or supervise the printing of the electronic record onto paper or other tangible medium.
(2) A notarial officer who certifies that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record may not make the certification if the notarial officer has detected a change or an error in an electronic signature or other information in the electronic record.
(f) A notarial officer who makes or notes a protest of a negotiable instrument shall make or note the protest in accordance with § 3–505(b) of the Commercial Law Article.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 18-204
What does Maryland Code § 18-204 cover?
Section 18-204 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 18-204?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 18-204" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 18-204 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.