Notary Public
New Mexico
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
state exam
$10,000
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedComplete an SOS-approved notary education course and pass the proctored exam.
Obtain a Certificate of Completion from the education provider.
Complete the online notary application at enterprise.sos.nm.gov.
Upload the Certificate of Completion and a signed/notarized Oath of Office.
Pay the $30 non-refundable application fee.
Obtain a $10,000 surety bond signed and notarized by a current NM notary.
Upon commission approval, purchase an official stamp meeting NM requirements (including NM State Seal image).
Register stamp with SOS within 45 days of commission issuance by filing a Notary Public Stamp Registration.
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of New Mexico OR have a regular place of employment in New Mexico.
Citizenship
Not explicitly stated as a requirement in available sources
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
RequiredSOS-approved notary education course is required for all new applicants before applying. Course is available online through NNA and other approved providers. Renewal applicants may skip the education course if renewing within 12 months of expiration AND original commission was issued after January 1, 2022.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredProctored exam is mandatory for first-time applicants. Must be passed as part of the SOS-approved education course. Renewal applicants may be exempt if meeting specific criteria (renewing within 12 months and original commission issued after January 1, 2022).
Administered by: SOS-approved education providers (e.g., NNA)
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$10,000
$10,000 surety bond (or equivalent instrument) required for the 4-year commission term. Must be signed by applicant and notarized by a current New Mexico notary.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is not mentioned as a requirement in available sources.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredInk stamp required in 10-point font. Must include: 'State of New Mexico', 'Notary Public', notary's name, commission number, expiration date, and the New Mexico State Seal image. Must be registered with SOS within 45 days of commission issuance.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $30 |
Bond Premium Cost varies by bonding company for the 4-year, $10,000 surety bond | $40-$80 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors; must include NM State Seal image | $20-$40 |
Education Course Cost varies by approved provider. NNA offers state-approved training and exam. | $50-$100 |
Total Estimated Cost Application ($30) + education/exam ($50-$100) + bond ($40-$80) + stamp ($20-$40) | $140-$250 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Submit renewal application online at enterprise.sos.nm.gov with $30 fee. May be exempt from education/exam if renewing within 12 months of expiration and original commission was issued after January 1, 2022. Otherwise, must complete education course and exam again.
Renewal Fee
$30
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON is permitted under New Mexico's RULONA. Notary must be physically located in New Mexico during RON acts with two-way audio-video communication with the signer.
Additional Requirements
Separate RON education course and exam required. RON authorization filing fee is $75. Must use approved technology provider.
Important Notes
What Makes New Mexico Unique
New Mexico is unique in requiring the state seal image to appear on the notary stamp. The state has also gone fully digital for all notary filings as of October 2023, and has a conditional renewal exemption for education/exam for those whose original commission was issued after January 1, 2022.
As of October 13, 2023, the office no longer accepts paper filings for notary applications, renewals, and stamp registrations - all filings must be done online.
Stamp must include the New Mexico State Seal image, which is unique among states.
A journal is mandatory for all notarial acts, recording date/time, act/document type, signer name/address, ID method, and fee.
Journal records must be kept for 10 years after the last entry.
Maximum fee per notarial act is $5; copy certifications are 50 cents per page (minimum $5).
RON technology surcharge is up to $25 per act.
Must be able to read and write English.
Sources
Find Notary Education Courses in New Mexico
New Mexico requires notary education. Complete your training through an approved provider.
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