How to Become a Notary in Maine (2026 Guide)

Published February 27, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

• No surety bond required: one of the few states without one
• Open book exam required (on the application form)
• Application fee: $50 | Commission term: 7 years (4 years for NH residents)
• Processing time: 4-6 weeks
• Notary stamp not required but recommended
• No state fee cap for notarial acts
• Must be 18+, a ME resident (or NH resident employed in ME), proficient in English
• Requires endorsement from a registered Maine voter
• No RON: Maine does not currently allow remote notarization

Maine stands out: no bond requirement, a 7-year commission term, and no RON. The process involves more paperwork than most states. You need a voter endorsement, a municipal clerk signature, and you must be sworn in by a dedimus justice within 30 days.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be proficient in English
• Be a resident of Maine or a resident of New Hampshire who is regularly employed within Maine
• Be recommended for a notary commission by a registered Maine voter who can attest to your ability to perform notarial duties

Disqualifying Factors

You cannot become a Maine notary if you:

• Have had a notary commission revoked for official misconduct in Maine or any other state within the past 5 years
• Have been convicted of a crime punishable by jail time and are currently incarcerated, on parole/probation, or appealing the conviction
• Have been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty. You cannot be appointed for 10 years after release from jail/probation, or from the conviction date if not incarcerated

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Application and Open Book Exam

Download the Application for a Notary Public Commission from the Maine Secretary of State. Complete the open book exam on notarial law and practices: it’s part of the application form itself.

Step 2: Gather Signatures

You need three signatures: your own (notarized by another notary), your municipal clerk or registrar of voters, and the registered Maine voter endorsing you. Each must sign and seal the appropriate section of the application.

Step 3: Submit to the Secretary of State

Mail the completed application and $50 filing fee to the Secretary of State. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. You’ll receive a certificate of qualification (oath of office form) by mail.

Step 4: Take Your Oath Within 30 Days

You must be sworn into office within 30 days of your appointment date. Take your oath before a dedimus justice and present your certificate of qualification. Then mail the notarized certificate back to the Secretary of State within 45 days of your appointment date.

How Much Does It Cost?

Item	Cost
Application fee	$50
No bond required	$0
Notary stamp (recommended)	$15-$25
Notary journal (recommended)	$10-$50
Total	$75-$125

How Much Can You Charge?

Maine does not set a maximum fee for notarial acts. You set your own rates, but always disclose fees before performing the notarization.

What Notarial Acts Can a Maine Notary Perform?

• Take acknowledgments
• Administer oaths and affirmations
• Execute jurats
• Certify copies
• Witness or attest signatures
• Perform marriages (unique to Maine: requires separate application and journal)

Notary Stamp Requirements

Maine does not require a notary stamp. If you use one, it must meet the state’s specifications. Most Maine notaries use a stamp for convenience and authentication.

Can You Notarize for Family Members?

Maine does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. As with all states, avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

A Maine notary commission can be revoked for official misconduct. The 5-year bar for prior revocations and the 10-year bar for dishonesty convictions show that Maine takes notary integrity seriously. The state also imposes a specific penalty structure for violations of notarial law.

Do You Need E&O Insurance?

Not required, but recommended, especially since Maine has no bond requirement. Without a bond, E&O is your primary protection against personal liability.

Renewal

Maine notary commissions last 7 years for Maine residents, 4 years for New Hampshire residents. Renew through the Secretary of State with the same application process and $50 fee. No grace period.

Remote Online Notarization

Maine does not currently allow remote online notarization. All notarial acts must be performed in person. This is unusual as of 2026. Most states have authorized some form of RON.

Becoming a Signing Agent in Maine

Yes, you can become a signing agent in Maine. Complete a signing agent certification program and register with signing service companies. The lack of RON means all signings must be in person.

Maine is unusual in several ways: no bond, no RON, the ability to perform marriages, a 7-year term, and the requirement for a voter endorsement and dedimus justice oath. Neighboring New Hampshire requires a $75 fee and Governor/Council approval but also has no bond. Vermont, the other neighbor, has no bond and no exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Maine?

Yes. Maine requires an open book exam that’s included in the application form. It covers notarial law and practices.

Do I need a surety bond in Maine?

No. Maine is one of the few states that does not require a surety bond.

How long does a Maine notary commission last?

7 years for Maine residents, 4 years for New Hampshire residents who work in Maine.

Is a notary stamp required in Maine?

No, but recommended. Maine has specific requirements if you choose to use one.

Can Maine notaries perform remote online notarizations?

No. Maine does not currently authorize remote online notarization. All notarial acts must be performed in person.

Can Maine notaries perform marriages?

Yes. Maine is one of the few states where notaries can perform marriages. This requires a separate application and a journal for recording marriages.

Employer Obligations

• Your notary commission is personal. It does not belong to your employer
• If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
• Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
• An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability

Related Reading

• How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
• How to Become a Notary in New Hampshire
• How to Become a Notary in Vermont

Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Maine Secretary of State and MRSA Title 4.