Northeast · ME
The Pine Tree State
How to get an apostille in Maine
In Maine, apostilles are issued by the Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions (Authentications). Here is the process, the state fee, how long it takes, and what a Maine apostille looks like.
- Capital
- Augusta
- Governor (2026)
- Janet Mills
- State flower
- White Pine Cone & Tassel
- State bird
- Black-capped Chickadee
Apostille signed by Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions (Authentications)
Step-by-step: an apostille in Maine
- 01
Confirm the document is Maine-issued or notarized by a Maine notary public.
- 02
If your document is a private document (power of attorney, affidavit, diploma, corporate paperwork), have it notarized first — the Maine Secretary of State authenticates the notary's commission, not your signature directly. Vital records and court documents skip this step (they are certified by the issuing office instead).
- 03
For vital records, obtain a certified copy from the Maine Office of Vital Records (Department of Health and Human Services).
- 04
Complete the authentication request and identify the destination country.
- 05
Submit by mail or in person with the fee and a prepaid return envelope.
- 06
Receive your apostille or certificate of authentication.
Maine apostille fees & processing time
| Competent authority | Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions (Authentications) |
|---|---|
| State fee | $10 per document (verify current fee) |
| Processing time | Mail-in is typically 1–2 weeks; in-person service is available in Augusta. |
| Mailing / submission | Mail to the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions, in Augusta (verify the current address online). Include the fee, destination country, and prepaid return postage. |
Documents commonly apostilled in Maine
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates (certified copies from the state vital-records office)
- Divorce decrees and court orders (certified by the clerk of court)
- Powers of attorney and affidavits (signed before a notary)
- Single-status / no-record affidavits for marriage abroad
- Diplomas, transcripts, and degree certificates
- Corporate documents — articles of incorporation, good-standing certificates, board resolutions
- Commercial and export documents
Federal documents (such as an FBI background check) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not by Maine.
Specimen
What a Maine apostille looks like
A Maine apostille contains the standard 10 fields required by the Hague Convention, naming the Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions (Authentications) as the issuing authority. Below is an illustrative specimen — it is not a valid document and contains no real data.
See specimens for all states →- 1.Country United States of America
- 2.has been signed by [NAME OF SIGNER]
- 3.acting in the capacity of [CAPACITY — e.g. Notary Public]
- 4.bears the seal / stamp of [ISSUING OFFICIAL / SEAL]
- 5.at [CITY / PLACE]
- 6.the [DATE]
- 7.by Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions (Authentications)
- 8.No. 0000000
- 9.Seal / Stamp [OFFICIAL SEAL]
- 10.Signature [SIGNATURE]
Maine apostille FAQ
- Who issues apostilles in Maine?
- Maine apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State's Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions, which also commissions the state's notaries.
- Can I get a Maine apostille in person?
- Yes. In-person service is available in Augusta. Confirm hours and any appointment requirements on the official page.
Not legal advice. This guide is general information about the Maine apostille process and may not reflect the latest fees, addresses, or procedures — always confirm with the Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions (Authentications) via the official source above. The specimen shown is an illustrative example, not an official document.
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