Notaries & Dedimus Justice

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions will close its customer service window and will accept documents from FedEx, UPS and U.S. mail, and via an onsite drop box only. Staff will provide information by phone 624-7736 or email: cec.elections@maine.gov, cec.boards@maine.gov, or cec.corporations@maine.gov. These measures will be in place until further notice.

**NOTICE**

Governor Mills signs Executive Order for Temporary Remote Notarization of Paper Documents https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/sites/maine.gov.governor.mills/files/inline-files/EO37.pdf

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING STATE GOVERNMENT CLOSURE

In observance of Independence Day, all Secretary of State offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2020.

Notary Public is an ancient office with many citations throughout Maine statute. The primary duty is to formally witness transactions involving paper documents. Maine Notaries, like those in Florida and South Carolina, can officiate at weddings. Only Maine adult residents can become and function as Maine Notaries Public.

Dedimus Justices perform a single function under Maine statute, that of swearing in various public officials, including Notaries Public. The office is a lifetime appointment by the Governor, but the application form is available from and the paperwork managed by the Notary Office in the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions.

The office of Justice of the Peace was merged into that of Notary Public between 1981 and 1988.

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