Topsham, ME · Sagadahoc County
Certificate of Sole Proprietor Adopting Name
This certificate records a sole proprietor’s business name and owner details for filing with the clerk of the Topsham municipality where the business will operate.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
A sole proprietor uses this certificate to state their name and residence, the business name and type, and that they are the sole proprietor. The form says the certificate must be deposited with the clerk of the municipality where the business will be conducted before commencing business, and notes a one-time $10 fee.
Who needs it
A person intending to operate as a sole proprietor under a business name other than their own must complete and file this certificate with the relevant municipal clerk.
Why it needs a notary
The applicant signs before a notary or attorney, who completes the jurat stating the applicant appeared and swore that the certificate is true.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Certificate
Get the Certificate of Sole Proprietor Adopting Name from the Topsham municipal website.
- 2
Fill In the Form
Enter the business details and owner information; leave the notary or attorney section for completion during notarization.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a session with a commissioned online notary and check that the municipal clerk accepts remote notarization.
- 4
Sign on Video
Appear by video, sign when instructed, and swear that the certificate is true.
- 5
Submit to the Municipality
File the completed certificate with the clerk of the municipality where the business will be conducted and pay the stated fee.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Topsham. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get this certificate notarized online?
- Complete the form, then book with a commissioned online notary. Sign and swear to the certificate during the video session, and submit it to the Topsham municipal clerk.
- Do I need to sign the certificate in front of a notary?
- Yes. The form says the applicant must sign before a notary or attorney, and the notary or attorney completes the oath section.
- Can a commissioned online notary notarize this form?
- Maine law, 4 M.R.S. §1915, authorizes Maine notaries to perform notarial acts for remotely located individuals. Confirm the clerk will accept the remotely notarized certificate before booking.
- Where do I file the completed certificate?
- The form says to deposit it with the clerk of the municipality where the business will be conducted. Confirm with the town, city, or county registry of deeds if unsure.
Certificate of Sole Proprietor Adopting Name in other Maine cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.