Chapter 4 of 518% of exam
Commission, Oath, and the Exam
Qualifying for and keeping a Maine commission: eligibility, the seven-year term, the oath before a Dedimus Justice, and how Maine handles the exam through the application.
Eligibility and term
Maine sets basic qualifications and the longest common commission term.
An applicant must be at least 18 and able to read and write English.
The applicant must generally reside in Maine, or reside in an adjacent state while employed or doing business in Maine.
The commission is valid for seven years.
Citizenship, property ownership, and a law license are not required.
The oath before a Dedimus Justice
Maine requires a formal oath of office before the notary may act.
After the application is approved, a commission certificate is issued.
The applicant has 30 days to appear before a Dedimus Justice to take the oath of office.
Only after taking the oath may the notary begin performing acts.
The exam
Maine tests applicants through the application and requires an online exam at renewal.
New applicants complete an examination as part of the application.
Renewing notaries take an online examination based on the state's Course of Study.
Maine does not publish a fixed percentage passing threshold, so none should be stated as official.
Study the Course of Study and handbook rather than a fixed set of items.