If you want to become a New Mexico Notary Public, complete the following steps:
- Meet all qualifications under New Mexico state law.
- Take the training course and pass the exam.
- Buy your seal, journal and $10,000 state-required bond.
- Submit an online application in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal.
- Register your official stamp online.
About the New Mexico Notary Process
The New Mexico Notary commission is valid for four years, after which it must be renewed to continue as a Notary.
Here, we cover the cost and length of an NM Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become an NM Notary
The cost to become a Notary in New Hampshire ranges from $140 to $165, depending on where you purchase your Notary supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$30 |
| $10,000 surety bond |
$45 |
| Notarization fee |
$5 |
| Notary stamp |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$140 - $165 |
Commission Processing Length
Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, it can take two to 10 weeks for the state to issue the commission.
New Mexico Notary Public Requirements
Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Land of Enchantment.
Eligibility
To qualify to become a Notary in New Mexico, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of New Mexico or have a place of employment in the state
- Be able to read and write English
- Successfully complete the required course and exam
- Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit in the last five years
- Not have had a Notary Public commission denied, suspended, or revoked in another state
- Not be disqualified to receive a commission under Section 22 of the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts [14-14A-22 NMSA 1978]
A judicial officer, the Secretary of State or a full-time staff member of the Secretary of State’s office, county clerk or deputy county clerk who is not licensed to practice law may also be commissioned as a Notary to perform notarial acts outside the individual’s scope of duties as an automatic notarial officer.
Notary Training
Applicants for a Notary commission are required to take a course and pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. The National Notary Association provides the state-approved training course and exam.
Notary Supplies
New Mexico Notaries are required to use an official stamp and journal. Stamps must either be rectangular or circular in shape and have the following information:
- Your name
- The words “Notary Public”
- The words “State of New Mexico”
- Your commission number
- Your commission expiration date
- The New Mexico state seal
Purchase your stamp or embosser before applying to become a Notary or renew your commission.
Your Notary journal must be a permanent, bound register with numbered pages or in a tamper-evident electronic format.
Surety Bond
A $10,000 surety bond is required before you apply to become a Notary Public in New Mexico. A bond protects the public financially from the possibility of a negligent mistake or intentional misconduct by the Notary.
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional.
Application
Submit an online application in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal, where you will provide your signed and notarized surety bond, certificate of course and exam completion, signed and notarized oath of office form, and $30 application fee.
Within 45 days of your application approval, register your official stamp by submitting a PDF of your official stamp in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal.
New Mexico Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a New Mexico Notary? We've got you covered.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Secretary of State, located in Santa Fe, NM, is responsible for commissioning Notaries Public in New Mexico.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A New Mexico Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization, such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity.
You cannot notarize your own signature or perform a notarization if you have a conflict of interest. The state recommends that you avoid notarizing for family members as your impartiality may be questioned.
What fees can New Mexico Notaries charge per notarization?
New Mexico allows Notaries to charge no more than $5 per notarial act. An additional fee for travel may be charged as long as the signer agrees to it in advance and understands the travel fee is separate from the notarial fee.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Inform the Secretary of State of any name or address changes within 30 days of the change.
- Address changes: Notify the surety company in writing and update your address by filing an amendment to your commission in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal. No fee applies.
- Name changes: Name change amendments must be filed in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal. Provide a rider from the company that issued your surety bond with the new name as well as an impression of the seal with your new name. A $3 fee applies.
What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?
If you’re renewing your New Mexico Notary commission and it has been expired for more than one year, you must purchase a new $10,000 surety bond, take the required training course, pass the exam and submit a new application.
If it has not been more than one year since your commission expired, purchase a new $10,000 surety bond and submit an application. Within 45 days of your application approval, provide proof of your stamp by sending in the Stamp Registration Form.
The New Mexico Secretary of State will send a postcard reminder approximately 30 days before your commission expires.
How do I become an electronic Notary in New Mexico?
New Mexico law requires a Notary to notify the Secretary of State that the Notary will be notarizing electronic documents and identify the electronic notarization technology the Notary intends to use. For more details, check out the How to Become an Electronic Notary guide.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in New Mexico?
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Last updated: Oct 23, 2025