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 Maryland — the 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.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Serious Diagnosis
A serious diagnosis changes priorities. Healthcare proxies, financial powers of attorney, and the documents that ensure your wishes are honored.
Learn more
Moving to a New State
State laws vary significantly for wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. What to review after relocating to make sure your estate plan still works.
Learn more
Divorce
What divorce does and does not undo: beneficiary designations, your will, powers of attorney, and the one account your ex stays on until you change it.
Learn moreMore estate planning resources
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
Maryland Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Maryland probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
