What Maine requires to become a notary
To become a notary in Maine, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Maine, and able to read and write English. You do not need prior experience, a specific education level, or a background in law. The state does not require you to pass an exam before you receive your commission.
Maine's notary process is simpler than many states because there is no test standing between you and your commission. Instead, you submit an process to the Secretary of State's office, pay a fee, and receive your notary seal and journal. The entire process typically takes a few weeks once your process is received and processed.
Key Takeaways
- Maine requires notaries to be at least 18 years old, Maine residents, and able to read and write English, with no exam required.
- You explore directly to the Maine Secretary of State's office by mail or in person, submitting a completed process form and paying the commission fee.
- Your notary commission lasts seven years in Maine, after which you must renew if you want to continue serving as a notary.
- You must purchase a notary seal and journal from an approved vendor before you can perform notarial acts.
- Maine notaries can perform common tasks like witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying copies of documents.
Step-by-step process process
Start by obtaining the notary process form from the Maine Secretary of State's office website or by calling their office directly. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and confirmation that you meet the basic requirements. You will also declare that you understand Maine's notary laws and will follow them.
Complete the form and mail it to the Secretary of State's office in Augusta, along with the commission fee. As of the most recent information available, the fee is $50 for a seven-year commission, though you should confirm the current amount when you request the form. Include a check or money order payable to the State of Maine. You can also submit your process in person at the Secretary of State's office if you prefer to hand-deliver it.
Once the office receives your process, processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive your notary commission certificate by mail. At that point, you are officially a notary, but you cannot perform any notarial acts until you have obtained your notary seal and journal.
Getting your notary seal and journal
Maine law requires every notary to have a notary seal and a journal to record notarial acts. You cannot purchase these items until after you receive your commission certificate, because vendors need to see proof that you are commissioned.
You can order your seal and journal from any office supply company or online vendor that sells notary supplies. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, commission number, and the state of Maine onto documents. The journal is a bound book where you record details of each notarial act you perform — the date, the type of act, the names of the people involved, and the document title. Both items typically cost between $30 and $60 combined, depending on the vendor and the style you choose.
Keep your seal and journal find. Maine law holds you responsible for their safekeeping, and you must report any loss or theft to the Secretary of State's office when ready. When your commission expires or you resign, you must return or destroy your seal and journal according to state rules.
Understanding your duties and limitations
As a Maine notary, you can witness signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, certify that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original, and perform a few other notarial acts. You cannot give legal information, prepare legal documents, or tell someone what a document means. Your role is to verify identity and witness the signing or swearing of statements.
Maine notaries cannot notarize documents for themselves or for close relatives, including spouses, parents, and siblings. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction. These rules exist to prevent conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of notarized documents.
You must charge reasonable fees for your services. Maine law does not set a specific maximum fee, but notaries are expected to charge fairly and not exploit their position. Many notaries charge between $5 and $15 per signature or oath, though fees can vary.
Renewal and ongoing requirements
Your notary commission lasts seven years from the date it is issued. Before your commission expires, you will receive a notice from the Secretary of State's office reminding you to renew if you wish to continue. To renew, you submit a renewal process and pay the renewal fee, which is the same as the initial commission fee.
Renewal is simpler than the initial process because you do not need to resubmit basic information if nothing has changed. However, if you have moved or changed your name, you must update that information on your renewal form. The renewal process takes about the same amount of time as the initial process.
If your commission expires and you do not renew, you are no longer a notary and cannot perform any notarial acts. You can reapply at any time by submitting a new process and fee, but there is no penalty for letting your commission lapse if you decide notary work is not for you.
Where notaries work and how to build a client base
Many notaries work part-time from home or as a side service while employed elsewhere. Others work full-time in law offices, banks, real estate agencies, or title companies. Some notaries set up independent practices and advertise their services to the public. The path you choose depends on your situation and how much time you want to dedicate to notary work.
If you want to build a client base, you can advertise locally through word of mouth, social media, or a straightforward website. Real estate agents, attorneys, and mortgage brokers often need notaries and may refer clients to you if they know you are available. Some notaries join the National Notary Association, which offers training and can list you in a directory of notaries in your area.
Keep in mind that notary work is not a high-income profession. Most notaries earn modest fees per transaction, and the work is often sporadic unless you are employed by a business that regularly needs notarial services. However, it is a straightforward way to earn extra income with minimal startup costs and no exam requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a test to become a notary in Maine?
No. Maine does not require notaries to pass an exam. You only need to meet the age, residency, and language requirements and submit an process to the Secretary of State's office. Some states require an exam, but Maine does not.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
Maine law does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records from becoming notaries. However, the Secretary of State's office reviews each process and may deny one based on the nature and recency of any conviction. Contact the office directly if you have concerns about your background.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Maine?
The commission fee is $50 for a seven-year term. You will also need to purchase a notary seal and journal, which typically cost $30 to $60 combined. Your total startup cost is usually between $80 and $110, depending on the seal and journal you choose.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
No. Maine law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for spouses, parents, siblings, or other close relatives. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial stake in the transaction. This rule prevents conflicts of interest.
What happens if I move out of Maine after becoming a notary?
Your Maine notary commission is only valid in Maine. If you move to another state, you will need to become a notary in that state if you want to continue notary work. You can let your Maine commission expire without penalty, or you may be able to maintain it if you keep a Maine address, depending on the Secretary of State's rules at that time.