Notary exams › Maine › The notary journal
Maine notary rules: the notary journal
What the Maine Notary Public Course of Study says about the notary journal, as 7 exam-style questions with the answer and the exact rule.
Notary course, bond or insurance provider? Feature it at the top of this page — $49 for 30 days →
- What is the requirement for a notary journal in Maine according to the handbook?It is strongly suggested but not required on all notarizations. The handbook clarifies that while not strictly required for every act, using a journal is strongly suggested.Maine Notary Public Course of Study, page 28: “Although using a journal is not required on all notarizations in Maine, we strongly suggest that you record the details of all notarial acts requested.”
- What is the mandatory retention period for a notary journal after the last notarial act recorded in it?10 years. The handbook specifies a ten-year retention period for journals following the final entry.Maine Notary Public Course of Study, page 16: “Journals must be retained for 10 years after the performance of the last notarial act recorded in the journal.”
- When is a notary public REQUIRED to maintain a journal for notarial acts in Maine?For all electronic and remote notarizations. The handbook mandates journal maintenance for electronic and remote acts, while noting it is not required for in-person paper acts.Maine Notary Public Course of Study, page 15: “A notarial officer MUST maintain a journal for all electronic and remote notarizations.”
- What action must a notarial officer take if their notary stamp or journal is lost or stolen?They must promptly notify the Secretary of State. The rule requires the officer to promptly notify the Secretary of State in the event that their stamp or journal is lost or stolen.Maine Notary Public Course of Study, page 37: “If a notary stamp or journal is lost or stolen, the officer must promptly notify the Secretary of State!”
- What is the required format for an electronic notary journal?A permanent, tamper-evident electronic format complying with the rules of the Secretary of State. The handbook specifies that electronic journals must be permanent, tamper-evident, and compliant with Secretary of State rules.Maine Notary Public Course of Study, page 15: “or in an electronic format, which must be in a permanent, tamper-evident electronic format complying with the rules of the Secretary of State.”
- Who owns the notary commission, stamp, and journal if the employer paid for them?The notary public, regardless of who paid for them. The handbook clearly states that these items belong to the notary public personally, not the employer, even if the employer provided the funds.Maine Notary Public Course of Study, page 37: “Your Notary Public commission, any notary stamp or journal belongs to you, not to your employer, even if your employer has paid for these!”
- How many journals is a notary permitted to maintain simultaneously for remote and electronic notarizations?More than one. The rules distinguish between paper and electronic notarizations, allowing multiple journals for the latter while restricting the former to one.Maine Notary Public Course of Study, page 15: “For all remote and electronic notarizations: You are permitted to keep more than one journal at the same time.”