If you want to become a Notary Public in New Hampshire, complete the following steps:
- Meet state qualifications.
- Complete your application, including the Acknowledgment of Criminal Record Check form.
- Have two New Hampshire Notaries and one NH registered voter endorse your application.
- Submit your application with the $75 fee to the Secretary of State.
- Sign and take your oath of office in the presence of two Notaries Public, two justices of the peace, or one Notary and one justice of the peace.
- Return the oath to the Secretary's office.
- Sign the index card and mail it to your county's Superior Court.
- Buy your Notary stamp.
About the New Hampshire Notary Process
The term of a New Hampshire Notary commission is five years. Have more questions about the Notary Public application process? Read on below.
Cost to Become an NH Notary
The cost to become a Notary in New Hampshire is approximately $125, depending on where you purchase your Notary stamp and additional fees the Notary charges for extra services.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$75 |
| Notarization fees |
$20 |
| Notary stamp |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$125 |
Commission Processing Length
It can take eight to 10 weeks for a New Hampshire Notary application to be processed.
New Hampshire Notary Public Requirements
Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Granite State.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in New Hampshire must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of New Hampshire or of an abutting state who is a Notary in that state and carries on a trade, business or practice in New Hampshire
- Be endorsed by two New Hampshire Notaries in good standing and a person registered to vote in the state
The Governor also has discretion to disqualify an applicant based on previous criminal convictions. Applicants must sign a written statement under oath whether they have been convicted of a crime that has not been annulled by a court other than minor traffic violations.
Application
Complete your application, including the Acknowledgment of Criminal Record Check form.
Sign the application in the presence of a Notary Public or a justice of the peace. Bring your application to two New Hampshire Notaries and one NH registered voter for endorsement of your application.
Submit your application with the $75 fee to the Secretary of State.
Oath of Office
Once your application has been processed, your commission, oath, index card and other information will be mailed to you.
Sign and take your oath of office in the presence of two Notaries Public, two justices of the peace, or one Notary Public and one justice of the peace. Those who sign your oath must also sign your commission.
Return the oath to the Secretary's office as soon as possible.
Index Card
Keep the commission for your records. Sign the index card as required and mail it to your county's Superior Court.
Notary Supplies
New Hampshire Notaries must use either an inked rubber stamp seal or embosser for all notarial acts for paper documents. Notaries must use an embossed official seal or an electronic or a rubber official stamp for all notarial acts. The following information must be on the seal:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words “Notary Public”
- The words “New Hampshire”
- Your commission expiration date
Pro Tip: If you opt to use an embosser instead of a stamp, you must get a separate stamp that includes your commission expiration date.
Maintaining a Notary journal is only required if you perform notarizations for remotely located individuals. However, it is strongly recommended that Notaries maintain a record of in-person notarial acts in a journal too.
New Hampshire Notary Public FAQs
Below are answers to the most common questions about New Hampshire Notaries.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
May I become a New Hampshire Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a New Hampshire Notary Public. You must, however, meet all other application requirements.
Is there training or an exam required to become an NH Notary?
No training or exam is required to apply for a New Hampshire Notary commission.
Completing a training course on the basics of a proper notarization can provide you a strong foundation. Browse the NNA’s catalog of Notary classes.
Do New Hampshire Notaries need a surety bond?
New Hampshire Notaries are not required to purchase a surety bond to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.
Notaries may insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the policy amount.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A New Hampshire Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public if the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization, excluding yourself.
What fees can New Hampshire Notaries charge per notarial act?
New Hampshire Notaries may charge up to $10 per oath, witness, service or certification. For services related to the taking of depositions, Notaries are entitled to the same fees as justices of the peace are entitled to receive pursuant to RSA 517:19. The fee for depositions must be at least $5 but no more than $50.
An additional fee for travel to swear witnesses may be charged. The travel fee is $0.20 per mile as mileage.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address or name must be reported to the Secretary. Failure to do so will prevent you from receiving a renewal application.
For name changes, indicate your former and new name and request a new commission reflecting your new name. There is a $5 fee for a new commission.
What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?
The renewal process is the same as the process you completed for your initial New Hampshire commission. A renewal application will be mailed to you approximately three months prior to the date your current commission is due to expire. Renewal applications are not available online.
How do I become an electronic Notary?
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in New Hampshire?
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Last updated: Oct 23, 2025