How to Become a Notary in Maine (2026): The Dedimus Oath, 7-Year Term & Cost
This guide is educational and informational, not legal advice. Maine notary rules are set in Title 4 of the Revised Statutes and administered by the Secretary of State, and can change, so confirm the details before you apply. We link to official resources; we never sell or submit applications.
What does it cost to become a notary in Maine?
Becoming a Maine notary is inexpensive, usually $50 to $85, because there is no bond and the exam comes with the application. The only fixed charge is the $50 filing fee, which covers a seven-year commission, so the yearly cost is very low. A seal and journal are recommended rather than required, so they are optional extras. Tick what applies and the checklist totals it live.
How do you become a notary in Maine?
You become a Maine notary by completing a paper application, then swearing an oath before a dedimus justice. The steps, in order, are:
- Complete the paper application. New applicants must apply on paper, not online, and the form includes the exam questions you answer directly.
- Get the two endorsements. Have a registered Maine voter sign that you are capable, and have your municipal clerk add their seal and signature confirming your residence.
- Mail it with the $50 fee. Send the application to the Secretary of State in Augusta; the built-in exam is reviewed as part of approval, covered on our Maine notary exam page.
- Take the oath before a dedimus justice within 30 days. After your Certificate of Qualification arrives, appear before a dedimus justice to be sworn in.
- Return your certificate within 45 days. Send the completed certificate of qualification back to the Secretary of State, then buy a seal if you want one.
Who is the dedimus justice, and why do you see one?
A dedimus justice is an official authorized to administer the notary oath of office, a role that survives mainly in Maine and a few other New England states. After the Secretary of State approves you and mails your Certificate of Qualification, you must appear before a dedimus justice within 30 days to swear to support the U.S. and Maine Constitutions and faithfully perform your duties. The Secretary of State keeps a searchable list of dedimus justices by town, county, or name, which is the easiest way to find one near you in time.
How long does a Maine notary commission last?
A Maine notary commission lasts seven years for Maine residents, one of the longest terms in the country, while a non-resident who works in Maine and lives in New Hampshire receives a four-year term. The long seven-year window is part of why the modest $50 fee is such good value, but it also means you should diary your expiration date well ahead. You may renew online up to 45 days before expiration and as late as 90 days after, with a renewal exam required.
What are the requirements to become a Maine notary?
The Maine requirements are light on cost but specific on sign-offs. You must be at least 18, able to read and write English, and either a Maine resident or a non-resident with a business or place of employment in the state, with no disqualifying convictions or prior commission revocation. There is no surety bond, and a seal and journal are recommended rather than mandatory. What sets Maine apart is the paper-only application that bundles the exam and requires both a registered voter's endorsement and your municipal clerk's verification of residence.
How do you renew or notarize online in Maine?
You renew online up to 45 days before your commission expires, or up to 90 days after, by completing the renewal, paying the fee, and passing the renewal exam, then appearing before a dedimus justice again to be sworn in. Maine recognizes electronic and remote notarization under its notary law, provided you meet the conditions for the signer to be present or connected as the law requires. Confirm the current remote rules with the Secretary of State before notarizing electronically.
Becoming a Maine notary: frequently asked questions
- Do you need a bond to be a notary in Maine?
- No. Maine does not require a surety bond, and a seal and journal are recommended rather than required. Errors and omissions insurance is optional.
- Is there an exam to become a Maine notary?
- Yes, but it is built into the paper application, so you answer the exam questions on the form itself rather than sitting a separate test.
- What is a dedimus justice?
- An official who administers the notary oath of office. You must be sworn in before one within 30 days of your appointment.
- How long does a Maine notary commission last?
- Seven years for Maine residents, one of the longest terms anywhere, and four years for New Hampshire residents who work in Maine.
- Can you apply online as a new Maine notary?
- No. New applicants must apply on paper, with a registered voter's endorsement and the municipal clerk's verification. Renewals can be done online.
Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, Notaries Public; Maine Revised Statutes Title 4, section 1922. Confirm current fees and steps with the Secretary of State before applying.