Need a Notary Public in Maryland? In-Person or Remote
Tristar Academy can connect you with Ricardo Loyola, a commissioned Maryland notary public based in Howard County. Ricardo offers in-person notarizations in Howard County and nearby (roughly a 10–15 mile radius), and remote online notarizations by live video for signers anywhere in Maryland. Tell us what you need notarized, and Ricardo will reach out directly to schedule your appointment, with clear, upfront pricing before you ever meet.
Request a Notary Appointment →
Two Ways to Get Notarized
- In-Person Notary (Howard County & nearby): Meet Ricardo at an agreed location, or he can travel to you within about 10–15 miles of Howard County. Travel costs may apply (see below).
- Remote Online Notary (anywhere in Maryland): Sign and get notarized from home over a secure live video session on BlueNotary, a remote online notarization platform. No travel needed. Ricardo is authorized to perform remote notarial acts in Maryland pursuant to COMAR 01.02.08.07.
How It Works
- Submit your request. Fill out the short form below and choose In-Person or Remote. For in-person appointments, include the location where you need the notarization.
- Ricardo confirms your fee and appointment. He'll contact you to confirm the total cost (based on Maryland's set notary fees, plus travel if applicable for in-person visits) and schedule a time that works for you.
- Get notarized. In-person: Ricardo notarizes your documents on the spot and you pay him directly at the appointment. Remote: You'll receive a BlueNotary link to upload your document, verify your identity, and join the live video session; payment is made securely through BlueNotary. Tristar Academy does not collect or process any payment.
Notary Fees & Travel Costs
Maryland law (COMAR 01.02.08.02) sets the maximum fees that all Maryland notaries, including Ricardo, may charge:
- $8 per original notarial act, in person
- $30 per remote notarial act (performed by video through BlueNotary)
- $4 for each additional signature on additional copies of the same record notarized at the same time
- $2 per photocopy furnished by the notary
- $6 for certification of a journal entry, if requested
These fees are set by the State of Maryland, not by Tristar Academy or Ricardo, and are the same no matter which notary you use.
Travel (in-person only): If you need Ricardo to travel to your appointment, Maryland law allows him to charge the current IRS standard business mileage rate (currently 76¢/mile, a rate the IRS updates periodically) plus a travel fee of up to $5. Any travel cost will always be calculated and agreed upon with you before your appointment is confirmed; no surprises! Remote notarizations have no travel charge.
Note: In-person fees are paid directly to Ricardo Loyola at the time of your appointment; remote fees are paid through BlueNotary. Tristar Academy does not receive a referral fee or any other compensation for this introduction, and does not collect payment on Ricardo's behalf.
Request a Notary Appointment
Complete the form below and Ricardo will follow up to confirm your fee and schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ricardo a licensed notary?
Yes. Ricardo Loyola is a commissioned notary public in the State of Maryland and is authorized to perform remote notarial acts under COMAR 01.02.08.07.
What documents can he notarize?
Common examples include real estate and closing documents, powers of attorney, affidavits and sworn statements, and wills, trusts, or other estate documents. If you're not sure whether your document qualifies, or whether the party receiving it will accept a remote notarization, just note it on the form and Ricardo can advise you.
Should I choose in-person or remote?
Remote is the most convenient option if you're anywhere in Maryland and have a computer or smartphone with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. In-person is best if you're in or near Howard County, prefer to meet face to face, or the receiving party requires a wet-ink (paper) notarization.
How does a remote notarization work?
After Ricardo confirms your request, you'll get a link to BlueNotary. You'll upload your document, verify your identity online, and meet Ricardo on a live video call where you sign electronically. As required by Maryland law, the session is recorded and securely retained. You must be located in Maryland during the session.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes; a valid, government-issued photo ID is required for both in-person and remote notarizations, along with the unsigned document(s). Do not sign your document before your appointment; Maryland law requires you to sign in the notary's presence (in person or on the live video session).
How much will it cost?
In person: $8 per notarial act, plus a travel charge only if Ricardo travels to you. Remote: $30 per remote notarial act, with no travel charge. Ricardo will confirm your exact total with you before the appointment.
How do I pay?
For in-person appointments, payment is made directly to Ricardo at the time of your appointment. For remote notarizations, payment is made securely through BlueNotary. Tristar Academy is not involved in payment and does not receive any compensation for the referral.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. Information submitted through this form is used only to connect you with Ricardo for your notary request. See our Privacy Policy for details.