Starting on January 1, 2022, New Mexico Notaries can apply to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). Follow the steps below to learn how you can become an NM remote online Notary:
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Contract with a RON provider that meets state requirements.
- Take a training course and pass an exam.
- Submit the Remote Online Notary Application along with the course certificate and $75 filing fee.
- Within 45 days of your application approval, provide proof of your stamp by submitting the Stamp Registration Form. You may submit this form with your initial application.
In This Guide: New Mexico RON Requirements | About RON in New Mexico | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in New Mexico
Before you can apply to perform remote notarizations, you must first meet New Mexico's requirement of holding a traditional Notary Public commission. Notaries must be at least 18 years old, be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S., be a resident of New Mexico or have a place of employment in the state, be able to read and write English, and not have any disqualifying offenses on your record.
Does New Mexico require training or an exam to work as an online Notary?
Yes, both a training course and exam are required to apply for RON authorization. The Secretary of State shall provide a remote notarization course and examination. The National Notary Association also offers a state-approved RON training course and exam. Training may be administered in house or through any third-party training vendor approved by the secretary of state. Applicants must provide proof of passing the required examination with a score of eighty percent or higher.
What tools and technology do I need to perform online notarizations?
Remote notarizations in New Mexico require a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access. You'll need to contract with a RON technology provider that meets state requirements. New Mexico does not endorse any third-party vendors, but the following meet state requirements: BlueNotary, Clear Sign, Cyberize It, DocVerify, Pavaso and SIGNiX.
In addition, you'll need an electronic stamp, electronic journal and digital certificate containing your electronic signature. These items must be compliant with your chosen RON provider.
Do I need a second surety bond?
No, another surety bond is not required. However, you should check with your bond provider to confirm your current policy for your traditional commission covers remote notarizations.
Is an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy required?
An E&O policy is not required for New Mexico Notaries but is strongly recommended. Unlike a surety bond that protects signers, an E&O insurance policy protects you from costly legal fees that may arise from unintentional mistakes.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in New Mexico
Wondering how RONs work in the Land of Enchantment? Keep reading to learn more.
Does New Mexico allow remote online notarization?
Yes, Senate Bill 12 was enacted and took effect on January 1, 2022. Under the new law, Notaries can provide their services to signers located within and outside of New Mexico as long as the Notaries themselves are within the state at the time of the notarial act.
How do remote online notarizations work in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, remote online notarizations involve digital documents and electronic signatures. The signer logs onto a RON platform where they must prove their identity through the system's knowledge-based authentication (KBA) assessment and credential analysis. They then meet the Notary via webcam.
The Notary verifies the signer's identity a third time using traditional identity proofing methods, such as personal knowledge or verification on oath or affirmation from a credible witness. Once the signer's identity is confirmed, the Notary then asks the signer if they understand the document and are willing to sign it. The Notary checks the document for blanks, completes the notarial certificate, attaches an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
The notarial act is complete after the Notary records a journal entry and saves an audio-visual recording of the session.
Which notarial acts can be performed remotely?
Notaries in New Mexico can perform the following acts virtually:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Administering an oath or affirmation
- Performing a jurat
- Certifying or attesting a copy
How long do remote notarizations take vs. traditional notarizations?
Remote notarizations take significantly less time than traditional notarizations. Online notarizations take a shorter amount of time since traveling is not required. From the moment the signer logs onto the RON platform to when you record a journal entry, the notarization can only take you a few minutes to complete.
Additional RON FAQs
Below, you'll learn the cost and benefits of becoming a remote Notary in New Mexico.
How much does it cost to become an NM remote online Notary?
Becoming a remote Notary in New Mexico can cost below $100 up to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the vendors you choose to work with plus other factors. For example, you'll need to pay any initial fees to sign up with a RON technology provider along with the cost of buying your digital Notary supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate.
Maintaining your surety bond and recommended E&O policy will also factor into your startup costs. Additional expenses may include a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access if you don't already have those items.
How much can New Mexico remote Notaries charge per notarial act?
New Mexico sets $25 as the maximum fee Notaries can charge per remote notarization.
How long does it take to become a remote Notary?
It can take between 10 to 12 weeks to become a New Mexico remote Notary with the majority of that time spent on getting your traditional Notary Public commission. The process is relatively quick once your commission is active.
You'll spend one day choosing and getting set up with a RON provider. Then, you will spend one or two days taking the required training and exam. On the same or the next day, you will need to notify the Secretary of State of your intent to perform online notarizations and provide them the name of your RON vendor. Allow the Secretary of State some time to respond to your request.
How long will my remote Notary authorization last?
You're authorized to perform remote online notarizations for as long as your Notary Public commission is active. Once your commission term ends, you'll need to renew it and reapply to perform RONs.
Will RON services grow my NM Notary business?
Yes, providing remote Notary services can only grow your business. Given the authorization to perform RONs and access to signers in all locations, you can complete more notarizations in a shorter amount of time.
If you're interested in expanding your business further, consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). An NSA certificate proves you've passed a current background screening, which is what many companies look for when hiring a Signing Agent.
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Last updated: Apr 19, 2024