How to Become a Notary Public in Maine

This guide covers all the requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria you need to get started.

Steps to Becoming a Maine Notary Public

Meet Maine Notary Eligibility Requirements
Complete the Maine Notary Public Application
Obtain the Required Endorsements
Submit Your Application and Fee
Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate
Take the Oath of Office
Purchase a Notary Seal and Journal
Begin Performing Notarial Acts

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Become a Notary public today!

Maine Notary Public Process

Becoming a Notary Public in Maine allows you to provide essential services for legal, financial, and business transactions. A Maine Notary Commission is valid for seven years before requiring renewal.

Cost to Become a Notary in Maine

The total cost varies based on required and optional supplies. Below is a cost breakdown:

Item	Cost	Details
Application Fee	$50	Paid to the Maine Secretary of State.
Notary Seal or Stamp	$20 - $50	Required for performing notarizations in Maine.
Notary Journal	$15 - $40	Recommended for keeping records of notarizations.
Training Course (Optional)	$25 - $100	Online training covering Maine notary laws and best practices.
Total Cost	$85 - $240	Varies depending on supplies and training.

Maine Commission Processing Time

The Maine Secretary of State typically processes notary applications within 3-4 weeks. Processing times may vary depending on workload and application volume.

Maine Notary Requirements

To qualify as a Notary Public in Maine, applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of Maine or have a place of business in the state
Have no felony convictions or crimes involving fraud or dishonesty
Be able to read and write in English

Who Is Ineligible to Become a Notary in Maine?

Certain individuals are not eligible to become a Notary Public in Maine, including:

Those with felony convictions related to fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude
Applicants who have been previously revoked or denied a commission due to misconduct

Notary Training Requirements

Is training required in Maine?
No, Maine does not require training, but an optional Notary Public Course is recommended to understand state laws and best practices.

Is an exam required to become a Notary in Maine?
No, Maine does not require a notary exam for commissioning.

Maine Notary Supplies

To perform notarizations in Maine, Notaries need:

Notary Seal or Stamp – Must include the notary’s name and commission expiration date.
Notary Journal – While not required, it is strongly recommended for maintaining accurate records of notarial acts.

Renewing a Maine Notary Commission

Maine Notary commissions last seven years. To renew:

Submit a renewal application before your commission expires.
Pay the required renewal fee to the Maine Secretary of State.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Maine

Maine allows Notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) under specific regulations. To become a Remote Notary:

Hold an active Maine Notary Commission.
Register with the Maine Secretary of State for RON approval.
Use an approved RON technology provider.
Follow Maine’s remote notarization laws.

Maine RON Notaries may charge a fee for remote notarizations as permitted by state law.

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in Maine is a great opportunity to serve your community and expand your professional skills. By following the step-by-step application process, securing the necessary supplies, and understanding state requirements, you can start your notarial career with confidence.