Key Takeaways
- Every notarial act must have a certificate that is completed contemporaneously
- The certificate must include venue (state and county), date, notary signature, and commission info
- Maine provides short-form certificates for common notarial acts
- The notary must sign the certificate in the same manner as on file with the Secretary of State
- An official stamp is permitted but not required if all required information is included
Notarial Certificate Requirements
The notarial certificate is the written record that a notarial act was performed. It must be completed correctly and contemporaneously with the act.
Required Certificate Elements
Every notarial certificate must contain:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Venue | State and county where act is performed |
| Date | Date the notarial act occurred |
| Type of act | Acknowledgment, jurat, etc. |
| Notary signature | Notary's signature (same as on file with SOS) |
| Title | "Notary Public, State of Maine" |
| Commission expiration | Date commission expires |
| Stamp (optional) | Official stamp if notary uses one |
Certificate Execution Rules
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Timing | Complete contemporaneously (at time of act) |
| Signature | Same as registered with Secretary of State |
| Completion | Must be fully completed before signer leaves |
| Alterations | Never alter after completion |
Venue Statement
The venue identifies WHERE the notarial act was performed:
State of Maine County of ___________
Important: This is where the act occurred, NOT where the document was created or where property is located.
Maine Short-Form Certificates
Maine law provides approved short-form certificates. These are legally sufficient and recommended:
Acknowledgment (Individual)
State of Maine County of ___________
This record was acknowledged before me on _________ [date] by _________ [name(s) of individual(s)].
_________________________ [Signature of notarial officer] [Stamp, if any] Title: Notary Public, State of Maine My commission expires: _________
Jurat (Verification)
State of Maine County of ___________
Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on _________ [date] by _________ [name(s) of individual(s) making statement].
_________________________ [Signature of notarial officer] [Stamp, if any] Title: Notary Public, State of Maine My commission expires: _________
Signature Witnessing
State of Maine County of ___________
Signed before me on _________ [date] by _________ [name(s) of individual(s)].
_________________________ [Signature of notarial officer] [Stamp, if any] Title: Notary Public, State of Maine My commission expires: _________
Signature Requirements
The notary must sign the certificate:
- In the same manner as registered with the Secretary of State
- Using their official name (as on commission)
- By hand (not pre-printed or stamped)
Official Stamp/Seal
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Required? | No, optional for paper notarizations |
| If used | Must contain: name, "Notary Public," "Maine," expiration date |
| Benefit | Adds professionalism and clarity |
| E-notarizations | Required for electronic/remote notarizations |
On the Exam
Remember:
- Venue = where act is performed (state and county)
- Complete contemporaneously = at time of notarial act
- Stamp optional for paper documents
- Stamp required for electronic/remote notarizations
- Signature must match what's on file with SOS
What does the "venue" in a notarial certificate indicate?
When must a notarial certificate be completed?