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If you've read a Maine form or statute recently, you may have seen the phrase "notarial officer." Some people search for a "notary officer." Either way, here's what the term means.
Who Is a Notarial Officer?
Under 4 MRSA §1910, a notarial act may be performed in Maine by:
- A notary public of Maine
- A justice, judge, clerk, or deputy clerk of a Maine court
- An attorney-at-law admitted and eligible to practice in Maine courts
- Any other individual authorized by Maine law to perform a specific act
"Notarial officer" is the umbrella term for all of them.
Why the Term Matters
Certificates Name Your Officer's Title
Every notarial certificate includes the title of the officer, such as "Notary Public." Under §1910, the signature and title of a notarial officer are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and the person holds that title.
Laws That Say "Notary Public"
When another Maine law says an act may be done by a notary public, §1910 generally lets notaries, judges and clerks, and attorneys perform it too, unless that law says otherwise.
Apostilles
When you request an apostille, the Maine Secretary of State verifies the official's signature and authority. That's one reason a correct, complete notarial certificate matters so much. A missing certificate is a common reason documents are sent back. Learn more on our apostilles page.
What Notarial Officers Do
Common notarial acts include:
- Acknowledgments
- Verifications on oath or affirmation (jurats)
- Witnessing or attesting signatures
- Certifying copies, where permitted
- Administering oaths and affirmations
Every officer must identify the signer, following the ID rules in 4 MRSA §1907.
Where Do Notaries Public Fit?
Most people who need a notarization see a notary public, because notaries are easy to find and can travel to you. Notary Java is a commissioned Maine notary public serving clients at homes, businesses, hotels, and hospitals.
Choosing the Right Officer
- Just need a signature notarized? A notary public is usually the simplest choice.
- At the courthouse anyway? Clerks can sometimes help with court-related documents.
We're glad to help when a notary public is what you need, anywhere from Kennebunk and Kennebunkport to Wells, Saco, and Portland.
Keep Reading
- Notary vs. Attorney in Maine: Who Do You Need?
- What ID Do You Need for a Notarization in Maine?
- How to Get an Apostille in Maine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a notary officer the same as a notary public?
A notary public is one type of notarial officer. The term also covers judges, court clerks, and Maine attorneys.
Can a court clerk notarize in Maine?
Maine law lists justices, judges, clerks, and deputy clerks of Maine courts as notarial officers.
Do all notarial officers follow the same ID rules?
Yes. Maine's identification rules apply to notarial officers generally.
Will Maine apostille a document notarized by an attorney?
The Secretary of State authenticates officials' signatures. Check the SOS apostille page or call them for specifics.
Book Your Appointment
Call or text 207-808-0550 to schedule with Notary Java. We are based at 50 Market Street, #400, South Portland, ME 04106, and we come to you across Greater Portland, York and Cumberland counties, and beyond. If you need documents printed, use the Upload Document Now (Send Documents) button in our contact section, or email files to SigningService@NotaryJava.com. That inbox is for sending documents only, so please call or text to book.