How to Become a Notary Public in Maine

Checked against Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Required
Training: Not required
Term: 7 years
State fee: $50
Bond: None stated
Commissioned by: Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Be a Maine resident, or a resident of another state with a business or place of work in Maine.
Be able to read and write English.
Pass the exam that is part of the application.
Disclose crimes punishable by one year or more in prison, crimes of fraud or dishonesty, and any revoked or suspended notary commission.

Step by step

Download the Application for a Notary Public Commission (Form ME NOT APP).
Study the Course of Study, 4 M.R.S. Chapter 39, and the notary rules (Chapter 700).
Answer the exam questions included in the application.
If you are not a Maine resident, complete the nonresident section. Your employer signs it if you work in Maine.
Choose whether to opt out of the automatic marriage officiant license (Maine residents only).
Mail the application with the $50 fee, payable to Treasurer, State of Maine, to 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101.
After approval, appear before a Dedimus Justice within 30 days to take the oath.
Return the completed oath certificate to the Secretary of State within 45 days of appointment.

Official application →

Training and exam

Exam: Written exam questions are part of the paper application and are graded by the Secretary of State. Renewals require passing an online exam. The passing score is not stated.

Practice for the notary exam free — role & powers, prohibited acts, and procedures & recordkeeping →

What it costs in Maine

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Application fee (Treasurer, State of Maine)$50
Notary stamp (required only for electronic and remote acts)(optional)$
Journal (required only for electronic and remote acts)(optional)$
Remote/electronic provider training and platform fees(optional)$

Estimated total in Maine$50

Cost details from the state

Stamp (not required for paper notarizations, but strongly recommended; required for electronic and remote)
Journal (suggested for paper; required for electronic and remote)

Pay in Maine

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in Maine after taxes.

How long it takes

The Secretary of State says notary applications take 15 to 20 business days to process; after approval you have 30 days to take the oath before a Dedimus Justice.

What other sites get wrong about Maine

Myth: The Maine notary application fee is $41.

Fact: The fee for a notary commission is $50 (5 M.R.S. 87), payable to Treasurer, State of Maine. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Renew online through the Total Notary Solution portal by passing the online exam and paying the fee, then take the oath before a Dedimus Justice and mail the signed exam and oath.

Remote online notarization: Yes. File the Notice to Perform Electronic and/or Remote Online Notarizations, use a state-approved provider, complete that provider's training, and get Secretary of State approval before your first remote act.

Good to know in Maine

Renewal cost: Renewal costs $50 (5 M.R.S. 87), paid online with the renewal exam.

What you can charge: Maine sets no dollar maximum. Under the Secretary of State's notary rules (29-250 CMR ch. 700), you must disclose any fee in writing and get the signer's consent before the notarial act.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions before you apply.