Maryland Promissory Note Template — Print, Sign & File Today

Written promise to pay a debt

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $4Witnesses: 1

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PROMISSORY NOTE
State of Maryland

Principal Amount: $[AMOUNT]
Date: [DATE]

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned ("Borrower") promises to pay to [LENDER NAME] ("Lender"), or order, the principal sum of $[AMOUNT], together with interest.

BORROWER:
Name: [BORROWER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], MD [ZIP]

LENDER:
Name: [LENDER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], MD [ZIP]

TERMS:
1. Interest Rate: [RATE]% per annum
2. Payment Schedule: [SCHEDULE]
3. Payment Amount: $[AMOUNT] per [PERIOD]
4. Due Date: [DATE]

LATE PAYMENT: A late fee of $[AMOUNT] will be charged for payments more than [DAYS] days overdue.

DEFAULT: If Borrower defaults, Lender may declare the entire unpaid balance immediately due and payable.

PREPAYMENT: Borrower may prepay without penalty.

GOVERNING LAW: This note is governed by Maryland law (MD Statutes).

BORROWER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
    

FAQ: Promissory Note in Maryland

Is a Promissory Note required in Maryland?

Yes, in Maryland, a Promissory Note is required for most transactions of this type. Under Maryland State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Promissory Note may result in legal complications.

Does a Promissory Note need to be notarized in Maryland?

Notarization requirements in Maryland (MD) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $4. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Promissory Note in Maryland?

Maryland has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Promissory Note, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Maryland tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Is a promissory note legally binding?

Yes, a properly executed promissory note is a legally binding contract. It must include the principal amount, interest rate (if any), payment terms, maturity date, and signatures of the borrower. Some states require notarization for certain amounts.

What happens if a borrower defaults on a promissory note?

If a borrower defaults, the lender can demand immediate payment of the full balance, charge late fees as specified in the note, report to credit bureaus, and take legal action to collect the debt. The note should specify the remedies available upon default.

Can I charge any interest rate on a promissory note?

No, interest rates are subject to state usury laws, which set maximum allowable rates. Charging interest above the legal limit can result in penalties and may make the entire note unenforceable. Check your state's usury limits.

Promissory Note Costs in Maryland

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Maryland standard rate: $4
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Maryland
Sales Tax6%Maryland base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Maryland-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

Where to File Your Promissory Note in Maryland

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Promissory Note.

Maryland County Clerk

Maryland Capital

Main Government Building, Maryland

District County Clerk

Maryland Metro Area

County Courthouse, MD

Maryland Promissory Note Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Promissory Note is legally valid in Maryland.

Interest rate must comply with usury laws
Payment schedule required
Default terms must be specified
Borrower and lender signatures required
Notarization recommended
Collateral description if secured
Late payment penalty terms
Prepayment clause recommended
Governing law stated
Witness signature recommended

Maryland Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Maryland, it is recommended. Fees range from $4.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Maryland, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Maryland law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Maryland Filing Deadlines

Check Maryland deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

JRJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience

Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents

This Promissory Note template for Maryland has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Maryland Promissory Note Legal Guide

Under Maryland jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.

In Maryland, according to Maryland State Code, a 6% sales tax applies to applicable transactions. Notary fees in MD typically range from $4. A single witness signature is sufficient under state law.

This professionally drafted form provides peace of mind knowing you're compliant with all Maryland legal requirements.

borrowerlenderprincipal amountinterest ratepayment scheduleloan agreementpromissory note formdebt obligation
Maryland residents searching for a reliable Promissory Note template have come to the right place. Our form is tailored to MD statutory requirements and updated for 2026, giving you a legally sound starting point.

Expert Recommendations

Legal professionals in Maryland recommend:
- Always use a state-specific template compliant with MD statutes
- Have documents reviewed before signing high-value agreements
- File copies with the appropriate Maryland government office when required
- Update your documents annually to reflect any changes in MD law

Enforceability in Maryland

A Promissory Note that meets all MD requirements is fully enforceable in Maryland. Courts in Maryland have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.

Step-by-Step Process

1. **Download the template** — Our Maryland-specific form includes all fields required by MD law.
2. **Enter your information** — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. **Review carefully** — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. **Sign and witness** — Execute the document according to Maryland's signature requirements.
5. **Notarize if needed** — Some Maryland transactions require notarization.
6. **File or distribute** — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate Maryland office if required.

Meeting Maryland's Legal Threshold

For your Promissory Note to hold up in a Maryland court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. MD law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Document Information

Document
Promissory Note
State
Maryland (MD)
Category
Financial
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6%
Notary Fee
$4

Maryland Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Commercial Code

  • Must be in writing for amounts over $500
  • Clear payment terms required
  • Interest rate must comply with usury laws
  • Signature of borrower required

📊 Promissory Note vs. Loan Agreement in Maryland

Promissory Note
Loan Agreement
Promissory Note is a promise to pay
Loan Agreement includes detailed terms
Maryland usury laws limit interest rates
Notarization in Maryland: $4
Comparison based on Maryland state law. Requirements may vary by county.

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Maryland may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.