Notary Public
Maine
Notary Public Commission Requirements
Governing Authority
Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions
Official website →7 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
Yes
Exam Required
state exam
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
Application Process
VerifiedDownload the 'Application for a Notary Public Commission' (Form ME NOT APP) from the Maine Secretary of State website
Review the Course of Study material to prepare for the notary exam
Complete and pass the open-book notary exam included with the application
Fill out all sections of the application form
Take and submit a notarized Oath of Office (before a Dedimus Justice)
Submit the completed application with $50 filing fee
Wait for the Secretary of State to process and approve the commission
Obtain notary seal/stamp if desired (optional for paper notarizations)
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Maine or have a place of employment or practice in Maine
Citizenship
U.S. citizenship not required; must satisfy other eligibility criteria
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo formal education or training course is required. The Secretary of State offers an optional Course of Study that covers exam material. Proficiency in English is mandatory.
Exam
RequiredApplicants must pass an open-book exam administered by the Secretary of State as part of the application process. The exam covers Maine notary laws, rules, procedures, and ethics. A downloadable Course of Study is available to help prepare.
Administered by: Maine Secretary of State
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Not RequiredNo surety bond is required for Maine notaries.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is optional but recommended. Covers legal fees and damages without reimbursement obligation.
Seal / Stamp
Not RequiredOptional for in-person paper notarizations; required only for electronic records. If used, must include notary's name (exactly as commissioned), 'Notary Public', and 'Maine' (or abbreviation 'Me.'). Available in 1 5/8 inch round or 7/8 x 2 3/8 inch rectangular format. Must be reproducible.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Seal/stamp is optional for paper notarizations. If purchased, cost varies by vendor and type. | $0-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application fee ($50) plus optional seal/stamp ($0-$40). No bond or education costs. Dedimus Justice oath fees may vary. | $50-$90 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
7 years
Renewal Process
Renewals are completed online through the 'Total Notary Solution' portal. Must take an online notary exam. Can renew up to 45 days before expiration and up to 90 days after expiration.
Renewal Fee
$50
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Maine adopted the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) effective July 1, 2023, which provides for remote and electronic notarizations. Maine notaries may perform RON with proper certification.
Additional Requirements
Must obtain proper certification through the Secretary of State
Important Notes
What Makes Maine Unique
Maine is unusual in that a notary seal/stamp is optional for in-person paper notarizations (most states require one). Maine also has one of the longest notary commission terms in the nation at 7 years. The state uses a 'Total Notary Solution' online portal for renewals.
Maine adopted RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts) effective July 1, 2023
A notary seal/stamp is optional for in-person paper notarizations but required for electronic records
Maine has one of the longest commission terms at 7 years
Renewal exam is required and taken online
Must be able to read and write English