Become a Maine notary public with Notary Rotary, Inc.

Qualifications:

To be considered for the office of notary public for the state of Maine an individual must meet the following criteria:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Resident of the state of Maine

If these criteria are met, a registered Maine voter who can attest to the applicant's ability to perform the duties required of a Notary Public must then recommend the applicant for the commission. The Municipal Clerk or Registrar of Voters for the applicant's municipality must also verify the residency requirement by signing and sealing the application form. If the applicant has been convicted of a crime for which imprisonment may be a penalty, the applicant is ineligible for appointment for the following reasons: awaiting sentencing, free pending the appeal of the conviction, incarcerated or under probation or parole. Conviction of certain crimes involving dishonesty renders a person ineligible for five years following release or the termination of probation.

Length of notary public commission:

A Maine notary public commission lasts for a term of seven years. At the end of the seven-year commission, the Notary Public will have the option of applying for a renewal of this commission.

Step 1: Download and complete the notary public application form.

Maine Notary Public Application

The application contains detailed instructions explaining how it and the accompanying notary knowledge test are to be completed. Follow the instructions exactly as any discrepancies can cause a delay in processing. If you have questions about this application, please call the Notary Public Section at (207) 624-7650.

The application must be returned, together with the $50.00 application fee made payable to the Secretary of State, to the following address:

Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions
Notary Public Section
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 4333-0101

The Secretary of State considers applications for Notary Public appointments. If the Secretary of State determines that the applicant is suitable, commission paperwork is issued and mailed directly to the applicant.

Step 2: Swear your oath of office in the presence of a Dedimus Justice.

An applicant is not permitted to act as a Notary Public at the time the commission is first issued. Under the provisions of the Maine Constitution, the applicant must first qualify by swearing an oath of office before a Dedimus Justice. Any Dedimus Justice in the State of Maine may administer the oath of office.

Upon appointment, each appointee will receive a Certificate of Qualification (oath of office form) and a notice describing the process of being sworn into office. The date of the applicant's appointment appears on the front of the Certificate of Qualification and the notice accompanying this document.

The applicant must take the oath of office before a Dedimus Justice within 30 days of the date of the applicant's appointment. After administering the oath of office, the Dedimus Justice will complete the Certificate of Qualification.

To find a Dedimus Justice in your area, you may contact the Notary Public Section at 624-7650, or visit the Secretary of State website at:

http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/notary/index.html

Step 3: Order your supplies from Notary Rotary, Inc.

Please visit our store by clicking on the following link: Maine Notary Supplies 

Choose Maine from the drop down menu and click the enter store button. It is optional for Notaries Public in the State of Maine to own or use an embossing seal or a Maine notary seal stamp with their name and expiration date. Although there is no legal requirement in Maine for a notary public to own or use a seal or record book, many choose to as a matter of convenience and record keeping. A journal can also assist in determining what happened if a notarial act is ever called into question. The notary journal available in the online store was specifically designed for notarie public and is perfect for this type of work. Follow the onscreen instructions through the order process and your order will ship as soon as we are able to process it, usually no more than two days before shipment. Once you receive your seal and supplies you will be ready to begin your duties as a notary public for the State of Maine.