They are often needed in adoptions, extraditions, and certain business transactions. The essence of these documents is an official statement that an office-holder held a particular office at a particular time. Officials covered include Maine Notaries Public, high level appointees such as Commissioners, members of boards and commissions, Dedimus Justices, legislators, Constitutional Officers, and certain county-level offices. For current town officials, especially Town Clerks, authentications, etc.
Authentications are most often part of a chain of proof that involves a number of cover documents.
To simplify this, the Hague Convention established a system that allows the state Secretaries of State to be the last officials in the chain. The apostille that we issue for Hague Convention countries is simply a special form of authentication. State of Maine Home Page Go to the Notary Office home page. Return to the Division of Rules, Commissions and Administration Home Page . Return to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions Home Page .