Launching and Running a Notary Business in Maine: Fees and Services

Are you interested in starting your own notary business in the state of Maine? Being a notary can be a rewarding and profitable venture, but it’s important to understand the process and fees involved. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to launch a notary business in Maine, the fees that may be charged for notarial services, and additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.

Step 1: Becoming a Notary Public in Maine

Before you can start your notary business, you must first become a commissioned notary public in the state of Maine. The process involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility: To qualify as a notary public, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and a resident of Maine or have a place of employment or practice in the state.
2. Educational Course: Complete an educational course approved by the Secretary of State. This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform notarial acts.
3. Application: Submit a completed application to the Secretary of State along with the required fee. The application will require your personal information, educational course details, and a background check.
4. Commissioning: If your application is approved, you will receive a commission as a notary public for a term of seven years.

Congratulations! You are now a commissioned notary public in Maine and ready to launch your business.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Notary Business

Now that you are a notary public, it’s time to set up your business. Here are a few key steps to consider:

1. Business Structure: Decide on the legal structure for your business. It could be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Consult with a legal professional to determine the best option for you.
2. Business Name: Choose a unique and catchy name for your notary business. Make sure to check the availability of the chosen name and register it with the appropriate authorities.
3. Insurance: Consider obtaining errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to protect yourself from any claims that may arise from your notarial acts.
4. Supplies: Purchase the necessary supplies for your business, including notary stamps, seals, journals, and any other required equipment.

With these steps completed, you are ready to offer your notarial services to the public.

Step 3: Fees for Notarial Services

As a notary public in Maine, you are entitled to charge fees for your services. However, it’s crucial to understand the maximum fees allowed by law to avoid any legal issues. Here are the current fees for notarial services in Maine:

• Acknowledgments: $2 per signature
• Affirmations and Oaths: $2 per individual taking the oath or affirmation
• Jurat: $2 per individual signing the document and taking the oath or affirmation
• Copy Certification: $2 per document certified
• Protests: Fees as allowed by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, section 9821

It’s important to note that these fees are the maximum amounts allowed by law. You can charge less than the maximum, but exceeding them is prohibited.

Additional Charges for Mobile, Loan Closing, and Remote Online Notarizations

In addition to the standard notarial fees, Maine law allows notaries to charge additional fees for specific services:

• Mobile Notarizations: If you provide notarial services at a location other than your regular place of business, you can charge a reasonable travel fee in addition to the standard fees.
• Loan Closing Notarizations: For loan closing transactions, notaries can charge an additional fee to compensate for the extensive time and effort involved.
• Remote Online Notarizations: Maine law permits remote online notarizations, which involve the use of audio-video technology. Notaries can charge reasonable fees for these remote services.

Remember, when charging additional fees, it’s essential to be transparent and inform your clients upfront about the total cost of their notarial service.

Conclusion

Congratulations on exploring the world of notary business in Maine! Now that you understand the process and fees involved, you can confidently start your own notary business. Remember to adhere to the maximum fees allowed by law and provide excellent service to your clients.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to explore other informative articles on our website to enhance your notary knowledge and business skills.