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:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident of the state of Maine, or
• A resident of the state of New Hampshire who is regularly employed, or carries on a trade, in Maine
• Be worthy of the public trust

The complete Rules Governing the Elegibility and Procedures for Appointment and Renewal of Commissions Notary Public are available from the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions and provide more details.

Note: Maine notary public commission renewals may now be completed online using the Total Notary Solution - Online Renewal option from the office of the Maine Secretary of State.

Length of notary public commission:

A Maine notary public commission lasts for a term of (7) seven years. At the end of the seven-year commission, the Notary Public has the option to renew his or her commission, including passing a 30 question exam and verification of Maine residency. The commission term for a Maine notary public from New Hampshire is four (4) years.

The Maine Notary Public Handbook and Resource Guide explains in detail the process required to become a Maine notary public.

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

Application for appointment as a Maine Notary Public - Maine resident

Application for appointment as a Maine notary public - New Hampshire resident

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 may cause a delay in processing. If you have questions about this application, please call the Notary Public Section at (207) 624-7752.

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 a Certificate of Qualification (oath of office form) is 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. 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.

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 (207) 624-7752, or visit this page on the Maine Secretary of State web site. 

Step 3: Return the Certificate of Qualification to the Secretary of State

The applicant must then return the completed Certificate of Qualification to the Department of the Secretary of State within 45 days of the date of the applicant's appointment. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the Certificate of Qualification physically arrives on time with the Secretary of State.

Important Note: If the applicant for the office of Notary Public is not sworn into office by a Dedimus Justice within 30 days and/or the Certificate of Qualification is not received by the Secretary of State within 45 days of the date of appointment, the commission is suspended and the applicant must contact the Secretary of State's office to obtain a new Certificate of Qualification to achieve a valid appointment.

An applicant should not order notarial supplies with the commission date on it until the applicant receives the Certificate of Office.

Upon receipt of the properly completed Certificate of Qualification, the appointee's Certificate of Office will be mailed. This is the only evidence that the Secretary of State has received your oath of office form in a timely manner.

Step 4: Order your supplies from Notary Rotary, Inc.

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

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 notaries 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 within 2-3 days.

Once you receive your seal and supplies you will be ready to begin your duties as a notary public for the State of Maine.