Key Takeaways
- An official seal/stamp is permitted but NOT required in Maine for paper notarizations
- A seal IS required for electronic and remote online notarizations
- If used, the stamp must contain the notary's name, "Notary Public," "Maine," and commission expiration
- The notary is responsible for the security of their seal
- When commission ends, the seal must be destroyed or sent to the Secretary of State
Seal and Stamp Requirements
Maine has unique seal requirements compared to many other states. Understanding when a seal is required and its proper specifications is essential.
Seal Requirement Overview
| Notarization Type | Seal Required? |
|---|---|
| Paper/tangible documents | No (optional but recommended) |
| Electronic notarizations | Yes |
| Remote online notarizations | Yes |
For Paper Notarizations
Not Required, But Recommended
Maine law does not require a seal for traditional paper notarizations if all required information is included on the notarial certificate.
Required Certificate Information
If you don't use a seal, your certificate must clearly include:
- Your name (as on commission)
- "Notary Public"
- "State of Maine" or "Maine"
- Your commission expiration date
- Your signature
Why Use a Seal Anyway?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | Adds credibility to documents |
| Convenience | Faster than writing all info |
| Clarity | Clear, legible information |
| Recognition | Out-of-state recipients expect it |
| Tradition | Industry standard practice |
Seal Specifications (If Used)
If you choose to use a seal, it must contain:
| Required Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Notary's name | Exactly as on commission |
| Title | "Notary Public" |
| Jurisdiction | "Maine" or "Me." |
| Commission expiration | Date commission expires |
| State arms/device | Optional |
Size Specifications
| Format | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Rectangular | 1" - 2.5" width, 5/8" - 1" height |
| Round | Approximately 1 5/8" diameter |
Ink Color
| Ink Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Black | Most common, photographs well |
| Blue | Also acceptable |
| Reproducible | Must be clear when copied |
For Electronic/Remote Notarizations
Seal IS Required
For electronic and remote online notarizations, an electronic seal is mandatory.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Electronic/digital format |
| Content | Same as physical seal |
| Attachment | Attached to electronic document |
| Tamper-evident | Cannot be removed/altered |
Seal Security
The notary is personally responsible for seal security:
| Responsibility | Action |
|---|---|
| Secure storage | Keep seal in safe place |
| Prevent misuse | Never let others use your seal |
| Report loss/theft | Notify SOS immediately |
| Commission end | Destroy seal or send to SOS |
If Seal Is Lost or Stolen
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stop notarizing immediately |
| 2 | Notify Secretary of State promptly |
| 3 | Obtain replacement seal |
| 4 | Document the incident |
Seal Destruction
When your commission expires, is revoked, or you resign:
| Option | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Destroy seal | Physically destroy so unusable |
| Send to SOS | Secretary of State will destroy |
| Heirs' duty | If notary dies, heirs must handle |
On the Exam
Key points:
- Paper notarizations: Seal optional but recommended
- Electronic/RON: Seal required
- Contents: Name, "Notary Public," "Maine," expiration date
- Security: Notary responsible for seal security
- Commission end: Destroy seal or send to SOS
Is a notary seal required for traditional paper notarizations in Maine?
What must a Maine notary do with their seal when their commission expires?
What information must be included on a Maine notary seal if the notary chooses to use one?