What does 'personal appearance' mean in a Maryland notarization?

What does 'personal appearance' mean in a Maryland notarization?

• A. The signer must appear in person before the notary at the time of notarization.
• B. The signer may appear via video conference.
• C. A trusted agent may appear in place of the signer.
• D. The notarization can proceed without the signer if the signer signs digitally.

Answer: (A)

Personal appearance means the signer must be physically present before the notary at the time of the notarization. This face-to-face presence lets the notary verify the signer’s identity, ensure they understand the document, and witness the signing or oath directly, which helps prevent fraud and coercion. Video conference or remote appearance isn’t considered personal appearance in the traditional sense unless Maryland has a specific remote notarization process with its own rules, and a trusted agent cannot stand in for the signer. A digital signature alone cannot substitute for the signer’s presence in a standard notarization.

Personal appearance means the signer must be physically present before the notary at the time of the notarization. This face-to-face presence lets the notary verify the signer’s identity, ensure they understand the document, and witness the signing or oath directly, which helps prevent fraud and coercion. Video conference or remote appearance isn’t considered personal appearance in the traditional sense unless Maryland has a specific remote notarization process with its own rules, and a trusted agent cannot stand in for the signer. A digital signature alone cannot substitute for the signer’s presence in a standard notarization.