Notaries & Dedimus Justice

New and Renewing Notary Application Backlog - In an effort to prioritize workflow to address the backlog, we are temporarily changing our telephone customer service hours to 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for our division.

The processing time for New and Renewing Notary Applications is 30 - 35 business days.

**NOTICE**

Governor Mills signs Executive Order for Temporary Remote Notarization of Paper Documents 

Governor Mills Executive Order for Temporary Remote Notarization of Paper Documents Amendment

An Act To Continue Temporary Modification of Certain In-person Notarization and Acknowledgement Requirements - Effective June 23, 2021

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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