No, not for the will itself.
The signing rule on the pages we read asks for at least two witnesses. Each one watches the testator sign, or hears the testator acknowledge the signature or the will, and then signs within a reasonable time (18-C M.R.S. 2-502). A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.
In the source's wording
"Signed by at least 2 individuals"
From the sources listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.
"each made before an officer authorized to administer oaths under the laws of the state where execution occurs"
- Interested witnesses
- No effect on validity: a witness who takes under the will doesn't make the will, or any portion of it, invalid (18-C M.R.S. 2-504).
"The signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any portion of it."
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Maine page (updated October 2022); the will has to be on paper.
"Maine currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting.
"if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting"
- Who can make a will
- 18 or older and of sound mind, or a legally emancipated minor.
"An individual of sound mind who is 18 or more years of age or a legally emancipated minor may make a will."
Not confirmed on the pages we read: remote witnessing. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: 18-C M.R.S. 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Maine Legislature)).
Next step
Plan an in-person signing, with the witnesses in the room. Online notarization of a will is generally not available through us: New Jersey's remote notarization law leaves wills and codicils out for signers outside the U.S. (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10), and states set their own rules on video witnessing.
Need a notary for the self-proving affidavit in Maine? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).
Request a mobile notary in Maine
If a local notary in Maine does it: No statutory maximum; any fee must be disclosed in writing and agreed before the act, under the state's fee rules (Maine notary fees).
Worth knowing
Maine replaced its probate code with Title 18-C, in effect since July 1, 2019. Nolo notes that, beginning July 2, 2019, witnesses no longer have to sign at the same moment as the testator, as long as each signs within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or acknowledgment. The probate courts no longer take wills for safekeeping: none has been accepted since September 19, 1997. A will deposited before then can be released only to the testator or to someone the testator authorized in writing, and after the death the court notifies the person designated to receive it (18-C M.R.S. 2-514).
Sources
- 18-C M.R.S. 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- 18-C M.R.S. 2-503, Self-proved will (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- 18-C M.R.S. 2-504, Who may witness a will (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- 18-C M.R.S. 2-501, Who may make a will (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Maine (Nolo, updated October 2022) (checked November 2026)
- 18-C M.R.S. 2-514, Disposition of will deposited with court (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)".
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Does a will have to be notarized in Maine?
No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the pages we read asks for at least two witnesses. Each one watches the testator sign, or hears the testator acknowledge the signature or the will, and then signs within a reasonable time (18-C M.R.S. 2-502). A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.
Where does a notary come in for a Maine will?
The self-proving affidavit. Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.
Can a beneficiary witness a Maine will?
No effect on validity: a witness who takes under the will doesn't make the will, or any portion of it, invalid (18-C M.R.S. 2-504).
Who can make a will in Maine?
18 or older and of sound mind, or a legally emancipated minor.
Keep going
- Maine will signing requirements
- Will signing-day checklist
- Will witness rules in every state
- A power of attorney in Maine
- A small estate affidavit in Maine
A will in another state: Louisiana · Maryland · every state