Maine § 1922. - Notary public commission; qualifications; no immunity or benefit

§ 1922.. Notary public commission; qualifications; no immunity or benefit

1.  Application.  An individual qualified under subsection 2 may apply to the Secretary of State for a notary public commission. The applicant shall comply with and provide the information required by rules established by the Secretary of State and pay any application fee.

2.  Qualifications.  An applicant for a notary public commission must:

A. Be at least 18 years of age;   [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

B. Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in this State;   [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

C. Be able to read and write English;   [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

D. Not be disqualified to receive a commission under section 1924; and   [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

E. Have passed the examination required under section 1923, subsection 1.   [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3.  Oath required.  Before issuance of a notary public commission, an applicant for the commission shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation before a dedimus justice: "I, (name), do swear that I will support the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Maine, so help me God. I, (name), do swear that I will faithfully discharge, to the best of my abilities, the duties incumbent on me as a notary public according to the Constitution of Maine and the laws of this State, so help me God."

When a person is conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, the word "affirm" may be substituted for the word "swear" and the words "this I do under penalty of perjury" may be substituted for the words "so help me God."  

4.  Commission issued.  The Secretary of State shall issue to an applicant who has complied with this section a notary public commission valid for a term of 7 years.

5.  No immunity or benefit.  A commission issued under subsection 4 authorizes the notary public to perform notarial acts. The commission does not provide the notary public any immunity or benefit conferred by the laws of this State on public officials or employees.