Maine journal is optional for traditional notarizations but mandatory for all electronic and remote under MRS Title 4 § 1920. RON authorized July 1, 2023. 10-year retention for both journal and A/V recording. SOS-approved platform required. Oath before a Dedimus Justice required. NotaryAct is state-configured for Maine — RON journal fields fully enabled.
| ⚖️ Maine Notary Journal Law — Quick Reference | |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | MRS Title 4, Chapter 39 (RULONA) · § 1920 (journal) · LD 2023 (RON, eff. July 1, 2023) |
| Traditional Journal | Optional · Highly recommended by SOS |
| Electronic + Remote Journal | Mandatory for all electronic and remote notarizations ✓ |
| Permitted Formats | Tangible (one at a time, permanent bound numbered pages) OR electronic (tamper-evident, complying with SOS rules) |
| Electronic Journals | One or more electronic journals permitted simultaneously |
| Retention Period | 10 years after last notarial act in journal |
| RON A/V Recording | Mandatory — retained at least 10 years ✓ |
| RON Authorization | Must notify SOS before first RON · Submit E-Notarization Notice form · SOS-approved platform required ✓ |
| Change of RON Provider | Must notify SOS within 10 business days of changing technology provider |
| Death / Incompetency | Personal representative must transmit journal to SOS or approved repository |
| Thumbprint / Fingerprint | Not required · Not prohibited · Optional in NotaryAct ME configuration |
| Oath Requirement | Oath before a Dedimus Justice required — call SOS to arrange appointment if needed ✓ |
| Surety Bond | Not required |
| Commission Term | 4 years · No exam required · No mandatory training for traditional commission |
Maine adopted RULONA via PL 2021, c. 651, with RON authorized by LD 2023 effective July 1, 2023. The statute is clear about the two-tier journal requirement: mandatory for electronic and remote notarizations, optional (but recommended) for traditional paper notarizations. Most Maine notaries who perform RON maintain a single electronic journal that covers all their notarizations, satisfying both tracks.
The Dedimus Justice oath requirement is somewhat unique — notaries must take their oath before one of these specific officers rather than any notary or justice of the peace. The SOS maintains a list of Dedimus Justices and asks that applicants call ahead to confirm availability before visiting.
| A | Date and Time — Auto-timestamped by NotaryAct at submission. |
| B | Description of Record and Type of Notarial Act — Document description and act type. NotaryAct covers all Maine-authorized act types. |
| C | Full Name and Address of Each Individual — Auto-filled by NotaryAct’s barcode scanner from any Maine driver’s license. |
| D | Identity Verification — Personal Knowledge — If based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect. NotaryAct provides a personal knowledge option. |
| E | Identity Verification — Satisfactory Evidence (Credential Details) — Brief description of method and credential presented. NotaryAct captures ID type, issuer, and expiration. |
| F | Fee Charged — Maine does not set a statutory fee cap for most acts (only $1.25 for noting dishonored instruments). Fee field included in all NotaryAct entries. |
✔ NotaryAct is state-configured for Maine: All six required journal fields enabled for electronic and remote notarizations. Optional best-practice journal for traditional acts. Electronic format meets Maine’s tamper-evident, SOS-compliant requirements. 10-year cloud retention for journal and A/V session documentation.
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NotaryAct is state-configured for Maine — mandatory electronic and remote journal compliance, optional best-practice journal for traditional acts, and 10-year encrypted cloud retention for both journal and A/V session records.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information reflects Maine Revised Statutes Title 4, Chapter 39 (RULONA, including LD 2023 RON provisions effective July 1, 2023) as in effect June 2026. Consult the Maine Secretary of State Corporations and Commissions Division at maine.gov/sos or qualified legal counsel for guidance specific to your situation.
