Informed Notaries of Maine > About Us

WELCOME to Informed Notaries of Maine

Informed Notaries of Maine, Inc. (INM), is a private non-profit member organization of Maine Notaries Public founded over 20 years ago to educate notaries in this state. Although INM works closely with the State of Maine Notary Officer, it is not run by the Secretary of State’s Office. Instead, it is an independent organization whose membership is voluntary and separate from your notary commission from the state of Maine.

INM was established with a purpose of core values and an ethical code developed by the corporation and adopted by the membership.

MISSION INM

  • Educate notaries public about the legal, ethical and technical facets of performing a notarial act.
  • Develop and promote the highest ethical principles for notaries.
  • Increase public awareness and understanding of the notary’s vital function in modern society.
  • Serve as an information center for notary-regulating officials, legislators, educators, and the public.
  • Promote uniform, modern and effective notarial laws in Maine.
  • Preserve and cultivate appreciation for the rich heritage and tradition of the notarial office.

Code of Ethics

  • Always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Remember you are a public official and should treat everyone in a fair and honest manner.
  • Never give legal advice. Do not prepare documents or make recommendations. Leave the practice of law to attorneys. The practice of law without a license is a crime.
  • Respect the privacy of those for whom you execute a notarial act.
  •  Require that all signers of a document personally appear before you to sign the document and make sure you take the proper steps to identify all signers. Remember Maine law requires it,too.
  • If you charge a fee for your services, make sure it is fair and reasonable. Do not take advantage of those you serve.
  • Take reasonable measures to make sure that all documents are complete and correct to the best of your knowledge.
  • Do not perform frivolous notarizations. The signature of a notary public will not make something better.
  • Do not certify public documents. Always recommend that certified copies of public documents be obtained from the proper official.
  • Do not become involved in transactions that you have a direct financial or beneficial interest in. A notary public must remain an impartial witness.
  • Be prepared to perform all the duties of a Maine notary public, not just the duties you like to do.

Member Benefits

  • Discounts on notary workshops and adult education programs.
  • The Informer, quarterly newsletter. See below for more details.
  • Access to information, advice, and support through our Facebook page, training, or our phone line.
  • Free listing on INM’s Wedding Officiant and Mobile Notary and Notary Signing Agent lists (a resource provided to citizens seeking the services of a notary public).
  • Discounts on notary supplies:
    • Receive a discount on any supplies in our store.
    • Receive a 10% discount on Notary stamps from J.P. Cooke Company. *special rules may apply. Learn more about their offerings on our Partners page.
  • Free listing in the Maine Register & The Maine Bar Directory.

The INFORMER Newsletter is INM’s member newsletter and has been produced since our inception. It is currently available to all members in digital form by logging in to the members area of the website.

The articles and information presented in these newsletters are contributed by our INM members, other notaries public, and the Secretary of State’s office. Members experience a great sense of belonging and a sense of “not being out there alone” by sharing their experiences. These articles give you a place to turn to for answers when you encounter a new situation you may be experiencing and are unsure of how to proceed. Knowing someone else has “been there done that” can help to give you the confidence that you need in your notarial work. INM strives to stay current on all issues that impact the office of the notary public; therefore, we use the newsletters to distribute the information to our members as soon as we acquire it.

DISCLAIMER: All information submitted to INM for publication in our newsletter and/or on our website must be within the parameters of the INM Publishing Policies. All submitted information contains the thoughts and opinions of the authors and does not imply an official endorsement of the content by INM. Facts and information provided by INM is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. The information contained in the INFORMER and on our website is not intended to give advice pertaining to legal matters of any kind.