What Do I Need to Sign My Healthcare Proxy in Maryland?

Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for healthcare proxies in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maryland requires 2 witnesses for a healthcare proxy.Md. Health-General Code Ann. § 5-602Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses cannot be: The person named as your healthcare agent. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.

Notarization is not required for a healthcare proxy to be valid in Maryland.Md. Health-General Code Ann. § 5-602Verified Jul 15, 2026

Yes. A healthcare proxy can be executed entirely remotely in Marylandthe 2 required witnesses may attend by live audio-video rather than in person (Md. Code Health-Gen. § 5-602(c)(1)(i)), and no notary is involved.

To execute a healthcare proxy in Maryland: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Give copies to your healthcare agent and doctors. Sign electronically; the 2 required witnesses may attend by live video

Yes. Maryland has an explicit reciprocity statuteMd. Health-General Code Ann. § 5-617Verified Jul 15, 2026: a healthcare directive executed in another state is honored in Maryland if it was valid where signed. Maryland recognizes advance directives executed in another state if valid under the law of the state where executed OR under Maryland law. Domicile is not a separately recognized hook — § 5-617 uses "the laws of the state where executed." Directives are construed to give effect to patient wishes to the extent permitted by Maryland law. The document portability tool covers reciprocity rules in detail.

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Maryland Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Maryland probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.