Maine Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Maine is a certificate completed by a ME-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Maine law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Maine notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Maine notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all ME notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
7 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Maine Acknowledgment Wording
Maine law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Maine county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Maine Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Maine's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared _______________, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which was _______________, to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that he/she signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Maine
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared _______________, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification to be the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and acknowledged to me that he/she signed the preceding or attached document in said capacity on behalf of said entity voluntarily for its stated purpose.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Maine
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared _______________ and _______________, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification to be the persons whose names are signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that they signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Maine
My Commission Expires: _______________
Maine Notary Requirements
Maine has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Maine notary commissions are valid for 7 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: No bond is required for Maine notaries
- Exam: A written exam is required to become a notary in Maine
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Maine
- Seal/Stamp: Maine notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Maine
Maine does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Maine must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by ME law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Maine Notary Fees
Maine regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Maine.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Maine Identification Requirements
Maine notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Maine.
Sample Maine Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Maine-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact ME statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF MAINE
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Maine
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Maine Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Maine, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Maine Resources
Use these official resources to verify Maine notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Maine Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Maine, or that require ME notarization.
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