Quick Facts
Commission Term
7 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$50
Issuing Authority
Maine Secretary of State
Journal
Conditional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Maine distinctive
- Maine does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Maine's $50 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- Maine's 7-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Maine does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state - Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts effective July 1, 2023
- 7-year commission term (longer than most states' 4-5 year terms)
- No bond required (E&O insurance optional)
- $50 application/renewal fee
- Exam REQUIRED for both new applications and renewals (online)
Regulatory Authority
Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
4 MRSA §1907
Primary Notary Statute
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, affidavit, deposition, jurat, oath/affirmation, protest, and witnessing in Maine.
4 MRSA §1910
Electronic Notarization Provisions
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, electronic notarization (IPEN), and jurat in Maine.
11 MRSA §3-505 (UCC)
UCC — Notice of Dishonor (Protests)
Statutory authority for protest in Maine.
19-A MRSA §655
Marriage Solemnization
Statutory authority for marriage solemnization in Maine.
4 MRSA §1919-A (IPEN)
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
Statutory authority for electronic notarization (IPEN) in Maine.
4 MRSA §1919-B (RON)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Statutory authority for remote online notarization in Maine.
5 MRSA §90-G
Marriage Solemnization
Statutory authority for marriage solemnization in Maine.
LD 2023 effective July 1, 2023
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Provisions
Statutory authority for remote online notarization in Maine.
Maine Rules of Civil Procedure
Deposition Court Rules
Statutory authority for deposition in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Maine?
A Maine notary public commission is valid for 7 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Maine?
Maine charges $50 as the application fee to the Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Maine require a notary bond?
No. Maine does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Maine?
Journal requirements in Maine are: Conditional. Consult the Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Maine?
Maine does not strictly require a seal or stamp for every notarial act, though one is commonly used. Check current Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division guidance for the latest authoritative requirements before notarizing.
Can Maine notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Maine does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Maine notaries use?
Maine notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Maine cap notary fees?
Yes. Maine sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Contact state authority for fee information.
Who regulates notaries in Maine?
Maine notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Can Maine notaries solemnize marriages?
Yes. Maine is one of a small number of states that authorize notaries public to solemnize marriages. The exact ceremony format and recordkeeping requirements are governed by both notary law and family law in the state — consult both before officiating.
Does Maine authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Maine authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Maine notaries perform?
Maine notaries are authorized to perform 10 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Maine?
Start your application through the Maine Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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