Maine Revised Statutes Title 4. Judiciary § 1905. Requirements for certain notarial acts

1. Acknowledgment of a record. A notarial officer who takes an acknowledgment of a record shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing before the officer and making the acknowledgment has the identity claimed and that the signature on the record is the signature of the individual.

2. Statement of oath or affirmation. A notarial officer who takes a verification of a statement on oath or affirmation shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing before the officer and making the verification has the identity claimed and that the signature on the statement verified is the signature of the individual.

3. Witnessing or attesting to a signature. A notarial officer who witnesses or attests to a signature shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing before the officer and signing the record has the identity claimed.

4. Certifying or attesting copy of record. A notarial officer who certifies or attests a copy of a record or an item that was copied shall determine that the copy is a full, true and accurate transcription or reproduction of the record or item.

5. Protest of negotiable instrument. A notarial officer who makes or notes a protest of a negotiable instrument shall determine the matters set forth in Title 11, section 3-1505, subsection (1), paragraph (b).

6. Protests of losses; record and copies. When requested, a notarial officer shall enter on record all losses or damages sustained or apprehended by sea or land and all averages and such other matters as, by mercantile usage, appertain to the notarial officer's office and shall grant warrants of survey on vessels; all facts, extracts from documents and circumstances so noted must be signed and sworn to by all the persons appearing to protest. The notarial officer shall note, extend and record the protest so made and grant authenticated copies thereof under the notarial officer's signature and, in the case of a notary public, notarial stamp to those who request and pay for them.