Maryland Secretary of State – Annapolis, MD

Maryland Secretary of State

The Maryland Secretary of State is a constitutional office located in the historic Wineland Building (Jeffrey Building) in downtown Annapolis. This office plays a vital administrative role in the state’s executive branch, handling a diverse range of responsibilities from certifying official documents to overseeing charitable organizations.

Key Services

• Notary Public Division: Manages the commissioning and regulation of notaries public across Maryland.
• Certifications and Apostilles: Provides authentication for public documents (such as birth certificates and transcripts) for use in foreign countries under the Hague Convention.
• Charities and Legal Services: Registers charitable organizations and professional solicitors to ensure transparency and protect the public from fraud.
• Executive Clemency and Extraditions: Administers the processing of pardons, commutations, and extradition requisitions on behalf of the Governor.

Service Hours and Access

While the administrative offices operate during standard state business hours, the public service counter (specifically for certifications and apostilles) maintains specific walk-in hours, typically concluding in the early afternoon (1:00 PM). Visitors intending to authenticate documents in person should plan accordingly. The office is located on Francis Street, just steps away from the Maryland State House.

Additional Responsibilities

The Secretary of State also serves as the custodian of the Great Seal of Maryland and publishes the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The office manages the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, providing protection for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.