Alternatives to the NNA Notary Package for Maine Applicants

If you're looking for alternatives to the National Notary Association's Maine packages, you have several options — and some are significantly cheaper because Maine's requirements are leaner than most states. The NNA packages ($88–$257) are nationally templated, which means they bundle items like surety bonds and physical journals that Maine doesn't require. For applicants who want only what the state mandates, or who want process guidance rather than supplies, there are better fits.

Here are five alternatives, each serving a different need.

Alternative 1: The Secretary of State Website (Free)

The Maine Secretary of State publishes the application form, the Course of Study, the RULONA filing information, and the Marriage Officiant details — everything you need to understand the commissioning requirements. The cost is $0 beyond the $50 state application fee.

Strengths: Authoritative, free, and complete — every legal requirement is documented somewhere on the site.

Limitations: The information is scattered across separate PDFs, web pages, and administrative rules. There's no chronological walkthrough, no deadline tracking, and no guidance on practical logistics like municipal clerk turnaround times or how to locate a Dedimus Justice. First-time applicants often miss steps because the site doesn't sequence them.

Best for: Experienced licensing professionals who are comfortable navigating government websites and assembling their own checklist.

Alternative 2: Maine-Specific Process Guides (~$19)

A guide built specifically for Maine's paper-based, multi-signature process does what the state website doesn't — it puts every step in chronological order with the deadlines mapped. The How to Become a Notary in Maine guide, for example, covers the complete application-through-first-notarization sequence, including the three required signatures, the Dedimus Justice oath, the 30-day/45-day deadline windows, and the RULONA electronic notarization filing process.

Strengths: Maine-specific rather than nationally templated. Addresses the process (where most applicants get stuck) rather than just the supplies. Separates mandatory costs from optional vendor add-ons. Includes fillable worksheets for tracking signatures, deadlines, and supply decisions.

Limitations: Doesn't include physical supplies. You'll still need to buy a stamp from a vendor after you're commissioned if you want one — Maine does not legally require a physical stamp for paper notarizations, though the Secretary of State strongly recommends it.

Best for: First-time applicants who need to understand the process before buying equipment — especially those on a timeline or directed by an employer.

Alternative 3: Individual Supply Vendors (Stamps $15–$30)

Instead of buying a bundled package from NNA, you can purchase individual supplies from vendors like Anchor Stamp, CorpConnect, or other notary supply retailers. A self-inking Maine notary stamp runs $15–$30. A physical journal, if you want one (Maine doesn't require it for paper notarizations), adds $10–$20.

Strengths: You buy only what you actually need. No unnecessary surety bond. No filler items. Competitive pricing since you're shopping individual products.

Limitations: No process guidance included — you need to already understand Maine's commissioning steps. No E&O insurance bundled (but you can purchase that separately from any insurance provider if you decide you need it).

Best for: Applicants who already understand the Maine process and want to buy supplies at the best price rather than the most convenient package.

Alternative 4: Informed Notaries of Maine (Membership-Based)

Informed Notaries of Maine (INM) is a local non-profit educational association focused on professional development and legislative updates for Maine notaries. They offer workshops, continuing education, and community resources.

Strengths: Deep local credibility. Aligned with the Maine notary community. Useful for staying current on legislative changes and professional best practices.

Limitations: Focused on existing notaries, not on onboarding first-time applicants. Their workshops address advanced practice standards and regulatory updates rather than the step-by-step commissioning sequence. Annual membership fees apply.

Best for: Active Maine notaries who want professional development, networking, and legislative updates — not first-time applicants looking for initial commissioning guidance.

Alternative 5: DIY Assembly (Free but Time-Intensive)

You can build your own commissioning checklist by reading the Secretary of State's website, the Course of Study PDF, the RULONA administrative rules, and the Marriage Officiant information page. Cross-reference with Title 4 M.R.S. (Maine notary statutes) for the legal details. Create your own deadline tracker in a spreadsheet.

Strengths: Completely free. You learn the statutory framework deeply. If you're meticulous, the result is as comprehensive as any guide.

Limitations: Time-intensive — the information spans multiple PDFs, web pages, and statutory references. Easy to miss practical details (like the Dedimus Justice fee variation by municipality, or the fact that the "open-book exam" is integrated into the physical application rather than being a separate test). No fallback if you misinterpret a step.

Best for: Detail-oriented applicants with time to invest in research and no urgent commissioning deadline.

Comparison Table

Who This Is For

• Maine notary applicants who've seen the NNA package price and want to know what else is available
• Budget-conscious applicants looking for the most cost-effective path to commissioning
• People who want process guidance rather than physical supplies as their first purchase
• Applicants comparing the full range of options before spending any money

Who This Is NOT For

• People who value one-stop convenience above cost savings — the NNA package genuinely delivers everything in one shipment, even if some items are unnecessary in Maine
• Notaries in states that do require surety bonds, mandatory training, or other items NNA bundles — Maine's lean requirements are the reason these alternatives work here
• Anyone looking for legal advice about notary liability or transactional compliance

The Real Decision

Most first-time Maine applicants face a sequence problem, not a supply problem. The stamps, journals, and bonds can be purchased from anywhere at any time. The process — understanding the three required signatures, tracking the oath deadline, locating a Dedimus Justice, and knowing which vendor items Maine actually mandates — is where applicants get tripped up.

If you're looking for NNA alternatives because of the price, the answer depends on what you actually need. If you need process guidance, a Maine-specific guide or the free state website (with patience) will serve you better than any supply package. If you need supplies, individual vendors offer the same products at lower prices without the unnecessary Maine additions. If you need both, a Maine guide plus individual supplies typically costs less than the cheapest NNA package — and you end up with more relevant materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NNA bad for Maine notaries?

No — the NNA is a reputable national organization with quality supplies. The issue for Maine applicants specifically is that NNA packages are nationally templated, so they include items like surety bonds that Maine doesn't require. If you understand what's optional and still want the convenience, the NNA package is fine. The alternatives exist for applicants who want to spend less or need process guidance rather than supplies.

Can I buy just a stamp from NNA without the full package?

Yes — NNA sells individual stamps. However, their individual stamp prices tend to be higher than competitors like Anchor Stamp or CorpConnect. Compare prices before ordering.

What's the cheapest possible way to become a Maine notary?

The mandatory state cost is $50 (application fee) plus $0–$10 (Dedimus Justice oath fee). That gets you a commission. You can legally operate without a physical stamp for paper notarizations, though the Secretary of State strongly recommends one and most institutions expect it. Adding a stamp from a budget vendor brings the total to roughly $65–$90.

Do I need E&O insurance in Maine?

Maine does not require errors and omissions insurance. Whether you should carry it depends on your notarization volume and risk exposure. High-volume mobile notaries and loan signing agents generally benefit from E&O coverage. Occasional workplace notarizers face lower risk. You can purchase E&O insurance from NNA, from independent providers, or through professional associations — shop around for rates at your coverage level.

Should I join Informed Notaries of Maine?

INM is valuable for active Maine notaries who want professional development, legislative updates, and community. For first-time applicants, it's premature — focus on getting commissioned first, then evaluate membership once you're practicing and want to deepen your professional knowledge.

Ready to start the commissioning process? The How to Become a Notary in Maine guide covers the complete chronological sequence — eligibility through first notarial act — with 10 fillable worksheets and deadline tracking for $19.

See more Maine guides →