Maine law does not require notaries to use a seal. However, it is recommended for professional purposes and may be necessary for documents that will be recorded or used outside the state. Using a seal helps ensure the authenticity of a notary's act.
A typical notary seal in Maine includes the notary's name, the commission number (if used), and the phrase "Notary Public - State of Maine." While the seal is not required by law, it should follow these guidelines if used.
When notarizing a document, the notary's signature must always be accompanied by the date of notarization and the notary's commission expiration date. This provides essential information about the validity of the notarial act.
Failing to include the commission expiration date could result in the notarization being rejected by the receiving agency or court. Including this information is crucial for the validity of the notarial act.
An embosser may be used by Maine notaries, but it should include the notary's name and the state (e.g., "Notary Public - State of Maine"). However, it does not replace the need for the notary's signature on a document.
