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Maryland Secured Promissory Note

Create Maryland Secured Promissory Note - $7.99

Not a blank template - your details are filled in, formatted to Maryland law, and ready to sign.

Draft a legally conforming Secured Promissory Note for Maryland that incorporates all required terms under Maryland promissory note law. Fill in your loan details and download your completed, ready-to-sign Secured Promissory Note as a professional PDF.

Maryland law governs promissory notes with specific usury limits and enforcement rules that defends both note holder and borrower. The usury limit in Maryland is 8% by simple written agreement; up to 24% for unsecured loans and most loans not secured by residential real estate, subject to Com. Law 12-103 conditions. 6% legal rate absent a written contract.. Lenders have 6 years to file suit to collect on a promissory note in Maryland. Maryland law requires 4 specific elements in a valid promissory note.

Maryland Promissory Note Requirements

Max Interest Rate 24%
Rate Details 8% by simple written agreement; up to 24% for unsecured loans and most loans not secured by residential real estate, subject to Com. Law 12-103 conditions. 6% legal rate absent a written contract.
Usury Penalty Three times the excess collected or $500, whichever is greater (Md. Com. Law 12-114)
Statute of Limitations 6 years
Notarization Recommended
Witnesses Recommended (1)
Governing Agency Maryland Circuit Courts
Required Elements Written agreement signed by borrower; Detailed collateral description; Interest rate disclosure; Lien filing if applicable

Maryland Secured Promissory Note Signing Checklist

Print this or save it as a PDF and use it at the signing. Review every item before any party puts pen to paper.

Before you sign

  • Both the lender and borrower read the full note before signing.
  • Confirm the principal amount, interest rate, and repayment terms match what was agreed.
  • Confirm any late fee amount and grace period are correct.
  • The lender keeps the original signed note in a safe place.
  • Each party keeps a signed copy for their own records.

Maryland rules to know

  • Keep the interest rate at or below Maryland's usury cap of 24% per year (8% by simple written agreement; up to 24% for unsecured loans and most loans not secured by residential real estate, subject to Com. Law 12-103 conditions. 6% legal rate absent a written contract.).
  • Notarization is not required in Maryland but is strongly recommended. A notarized note is self-authenticating in court and harder to dispute.
  • 1 witness is recommended in Maryland even though not legally required.
  • In Maryland, the lender has 6 years from the date of default to file suit to collect on the note.

In the note itself

  • Borrower's full legal name and current address.
  • Lender's full legal name and current address.
  • Principal loan amount written out in both numbers and words.
  • Annual interest rate (expressed as a percentage).
  • Maturity date (the date by which the full balance must be repaid).
  • Detailed description of the collateral (make, model, serial number, or legal description for real estate).
  • Late fee amount and grace period, if any.
  • Signatures of both parties (and witnesses if required).
  • Lender's right to seize and sell the collateral upon default.

This checklist is a reference aid only. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation. Usury and enforcement rules for Maryland may change; verify current rates before signing.

What to Include in a Maryland Secured Promissory Note

Every Secured Promissory Note in Maryland should include the following vital provisions: the full legal names and addresses of both the creditor and borrowing party, the principal loan amount, the interest rate (which must not exceed 8% by simple written agreement; up to 24% for unsecured loans and most loans not secured by residential real estate, subject to Com. Law 12-103 conditions. 6% legal rate absent a written contract. under Maryland law), the repayment schedule and due dates, any late payment penalties, the consequences of default, and the governing law clause. Because this is a secured promissory note, you must also describe the collateral in detail, including how it will be valued and the lender's right to seize it upon default.

Maryland requires the following elements in a valid promissory note: written agreement signed by borrower, detailed collateral description, interest rate disclosure, lien filing if applicable.

How to Complete a Maryland Secured Promissory Note

To complete a Secured Promissory Note in Maryland, start by gathering the necessary information: the full legal names and addresses of both parties, the loan amount, the agreed-upon interest rate (must be at or below 8% by simple written agreement; up to 24% for unsecured loans and most loans not secured by residential real estate, subject to Com. Law 12-103 conditions. 6% legal rate absent a written contract. in Maryland), the repayment terms, and any collateral details if applicable.

Our platform walks you through each section with a guided form tailored to Maryland requirements. Once you have filled in all details, you can preview the document, choose from five professional document styles, and download your completed Secured Promissory Note as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum interest rate for a promissory note in Maryland?
Maryland caps interest at 8% by simple written agreement; up to 24% for unsecured loans and most loans not secured by residential real estate, subject to Com. Law 12-103 conditions. 6% legal rate absent a written contract.. Charging above the legal limit is usury - in Maryland, the penalty is: three times the excess collected or $500, whichever is greater (md. com. law 12-114). Always confirm the current rate with an attorney, as usury laws can change.
Do I need a notary for a promissory note in Maryland?
Notarization is not required in Maryland for a promissory note to be legally valid. Notarizing it anyway is strongly recommended - it deters forgery claims, simplifies court enforcement, and makes the note self-authenticating as evidence. Having 1 witness is also recommended.
What happens if a borrower defaults on a promissory note in Maryland?
Upon default, the lender may demand immediate repayment of the full outstanding balance, charge any default interest rate specified in the note, and file suit in Maryland court. As a secured note, the lender may also seize and sell the collateral to recover the outstanding amount. Lenders have 6 years from the date of default to file a lawsuit under Maryland's statute of limitations for written contracts.
What collateral can be used for a secured promissory note in Maryland?
Common collateral for secured promissory notes includes real estate, vehicles, equipment, bank accounts, or valuable personal property. The collateral must be described in detail in the note - make, model, serial number, or legal property description depending on the asset type. The lender's right to seize and sell the collateral upon default must also be clearly stated. For real estate collateral, a separate deed of trust or mortgage is typically also required.
What is the difference between a secured and unsecured promissory note?
A secured promissory note is backed by collateral - if the borrower defaults, the lender can seize the collateral to recover the debt. An unsecured note relies solely on the borrower's promise to repay; the lender must sue and obtain a judgment to collect. Secured notes carry less risk for the lender and typically carry lower interest rates as a result.
What must be included in a Maryland Secured Promissory Note?
A valid Secured Promissory Note in Maryland must include: Written agreement signed by borrower; Detailed collateral description; Interest rate disclosure; Lien filing if applicable. Our platform automatically includes all required elements formatted to Maryland standards.
What is Maryland's usury limit for private loans?
Maryland caps interest at 6% per year as a default for written contracts (Md. Code, Com. Law §12-102), but parties may agree in writing to higher rates. For most commercial loans, Maryland allows the contracted rate without a strict upper limit, subject to a reasonableness standard. Consumer loans are regulated under the Maryland Consumer Loan Law and typically capped at 24 - 33% APR. For a negotiable promissory note, Maryland applies the Uniform Commercial Code six-year period (Md. Com. Law 3-118), longer than its general three-year contract period.

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