The Importance of the Office of Notary Public
The office of notary public is ubiquitous – it’s a fixture in every single state. There’s a good reason for this, as almost everyone is going to need the services of a good notary sooner or later. In most states, a notary has a rubber stamp or an embossed seal that serves as their official mark; however in others there are no requirements for such a seal of office. In fact, the Maine notary public stamp and seal rules and regulations state that you do not even need a stamp or an embossing seal when notarizing documents for others; however, if you do choose to exercise the option, there are specific guidelines the state has set up for those notaries who do wish to use a Maine notary public stamp or seal.
Since there’s no requirement for notaries to affix a Maine notary public stamp or seal on documents they notarize, you might think that notaries within the state can design a stamp or seal in any fashion they choose. However, there are guidelines that must be followed if you do exercise the option.
Design Options for Your Maine Notary Seal
Your Maine notary public stamp or seal must contain your name exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Office. You must also ensure that either the name of the state or its abbreviation appear on the stamp or seal, as well as the words “Notary Public.” You’re permitted to use the Great Seal of the State of Maine in lieu of the name of the state on your Maine notary public stamp or seal, but the office of the Secretary of State for Maine recommends using the words instead.
While it’s customary to use a circular stamp or seal, you can also have a rectangular rubber stamp with your information on it as well. Many notaries in Maine who do have their own optional rectangular stamp choose to have their commission number and its expiration date listed as well.
Where Can You Learn More?
Interested in learning more about Maine’s notary public laws and regulations? Visit the state’s Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions section on the Maine Secretary of State’s official website for more information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a notary seal required for Maine notaries?
No. In Maine, a notary public stamp or seal is optional, not required. However, if you choose to use one, it must meet Maine notary seal regulations and include the required information so your notarizations stay compliant.
What information must be on a Maine notary public stamp or seal?
A Maine notary seal or stamp must include your name exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Office, the words “Notary Public,” and either the name of the state of Maine or its abbreviation. Maine also allows the Great Seal of the State of Maine to be used in place of the state name.
Can Maine notaries use either a round or rectangular seal?
Yes. While a circular seal is common, Maine notaries may also use a rectangular rubber stamp. Both styles can be compliant as long as they include the required wording and name details under Maine notary public stamp requirements.
Is it okay to include a commission number and expiration date on a Maine notary stamp?
Yes. Many Maine notaries choose to add their commission number and expiration date to a rectangular stamp, but these details are optional. The key requirement is that the stamp still includes the information Maine law requires.
Do I have to use ink, or can I use an embosser for my Maine notary seal?
Maine allows notaries to use either a rubber stamp or an embossing seal if they choose to use a seal at all. Since a seal is optional, the format can vary, but it still needs to follow Maine notary seal regulations.
Where can I find the official Maine notary public rules and regulations?
You can find the official guidance through the Maine Secretary of State’s Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions. That is the best place to confirm current Maine notary public seal rules, stamp requirements, and compliance details before ordering your seal.
