Notary Journal and Seal Requirements Flashcards

A Maine notary is performing a traditional, in-person notarization on a paper document. Which of the following is true regarding the use of a notary seal?

Answer: The use of a seal is optional for paper notarizations.

According to Maine law, the use of an official stamp (seal) is optional for notarial acts performed on a tangible, paper record. While strongly recommended for professionalism and clarity, it is not legally required for these types of notarizations. However, a seal is mandatory for all electronic or remote notarizations.

Which of the following elements is required to be included on a Maine notary public's official seal?

Answer: The notary's commission expiration date.

A Maine notary public's official seal must contain the notary's name as it appears on their commission, the words “Notary Public” and “State of Maine” or “Maine”, and the notary's commission expiration date.

Under what circumstances is a Maine notary public required by law to maintain a journal of notarial acts?

Answer: For all electronic and remote notarizations.

Maine law explicitly states that a notarial officer MUST maintain a journal for all electronic and remote notarizations. While the Secretary of State strongly recommends keeping a journal for all notarial acts, it is only legally mandatory for these specific types.

A notary in Augusta is creating a new official ink stamp. Which set of information fully complies with Maine's requirements for the seal?

Answer: Notary Name, "Notary Public", State of Maine, Commission Expiration Date

To be compliant, a Maine notary seal must include four key elements: the notary's name as commissioned, the words "Notary Public," the words "State of Maine" or "Maine," and the commission expiration date.

If a Maine notary chooses to maintain a journal for in-person paper notarizations, which rule must they follow?

Answer: They may only keep one journal at any one time for in-person paper notarizations.

The Maine Secretary of State's guidelines specify that for all in-person paper notarizations, a notary may only keep one journal at any given time. This rule is different for electronic and remote notarizations, where multiple journals are permitted.

A signer asks a Maine notary to perform an electronic notarization. What are the notary's obligations regarding their seal and journal?

Answer: Using a seal and keeping a journal are both mandatory.

For all electronic and remote notarizations, Maine law requires both the use of an official notary stamp (seal) and the maintenance of a journal recording the notarial act.