5.2 Seal and Stamp Requirements
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
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?