How to Become a Notary Public in New Hampshire
Become a New Hampshire Notary Public with the following steps:
- Meet the eligibility requirements set by New Hampshire.
- Fill out the application and have it endorsed by two NH Notaries and one NH registered voter. Sign it in front of a Notary Public or a justice of the peace.
- Complete and notarize the Criminal Record Release Authorization Form.
- Send your application with a $75 fee to the Secretary of State.
- Upon approval, you’ll receive your commission, oath, index card, and other materials.
- Sign the oath in the presence of two Notaries Public, two justices of the peace, or one of each. They must also sign your commission.
- Mail the signed oath back to the Secretary of State.
- Maintain your commission and mail the signed index card to your county’s Superior Court.
- Purchase a Notary seal and journal (recommended).
- Consider Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance to protect yourself financially in case of errors or omissions during notarizations.
Explore optional continuing education courses and consultations from reputable sources like the BlueNotary Academy to further enhance your knowledge and skills.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in New Hampshire?
To be eligible for a New Hampshire Notary Public commission, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- A resident of New Hampshire.
- A resident of a bordering state (Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont)
- Conducts business or works in New Hampshire.
- Your application needs endorsements from two New Hampshire Notaries in good standing and one person registered to vote in New Hampshire.
- The Governor has the authority to disqualify applicants based on past criminal convictions.
- You’ll need to disclose any convictions (except minor traffic violations) on your application.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in New Hampshire?
Getting started as a Notary Public costs around $75 for the application. Then, the price for things like stamps and training can differ depending on where you shop. New Notaries often need more help than folks who’ve been doing it for a while. That’s why things like books, online courses, or even talking to a pro can be a big help for beginners.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in New Hampshire?
You can expect the waiting period for your application to be reviewed and approved to be somewhere between eight and ten weeks.
What Supplies Do New Hampshire Notaries Need?
In New Hampshire, you’ll need a special stamp or embosser to act as a notary for physical documents. Basically, it’s your official notary ID that gets stamped on the paperwork. Here’s the rundown on what your stamp or embosser needs to have:
- Your full name, exactly how it appears on your notary commission
- The words “Notary Public, New Hampshire.”
- The date your commission expires
If you go with the embosser route, you’ll also need a separate stamp that shows your commission expiration date. This is because embossers can’t usually show the date themselves. When picking out a stamp, keep in mind that quality can differ a lot between vendors. You want one that won’t bleed ink because smudgy stamps can get your documents rejected by county officials.
How long does a Notary commission last in New Hampshire?
A public notary’s commission in New Hampshire is in effect for a period of five years. You will have to renew the license to be able to continue notarizing documents after the time limit is up.
What About Bonds or Insurance for New Hampshire Notaries?
You don’t have to get a surety bond in New Hampshire to be a notary. This is basically a financial guarantee that says you’ll do your job as a notary properly and follow the state rules. If you mess up and it costs someone money, the bond would cover them, but you’d have to pay the bond company back.
New Hampshire Notary Public FAQs
Who Oversees Notaries in New Hampshire?
While the Governor designates Notaries in New Hampshire, any additional matters related to Notaries are overseen by the Secretary of State’s Office. They hold tabs on every Notary in the state, supervise the whole process, and ensure that the whole thing goes according to the plan. They operate from Concord, New Hampshire.
Do I need Training to Become a Notary in New Hampshire?
No, there are no exams that are needed to become a Notary Public in the state of New Hampshire. It all boils down to finishing the application and matching all of the requirements. The BlueNotary Academy can help you as you learn more about being a Notary Public, even if it is not required.
Where will I be able to notarize?
Once you’re a New Hampshire Notary, you’ve got the green light to notarize documents anywhere within the state!
Who can I notarize for?
As a New Hampshire Notary, you can basically help anyone out with notarizing documents as long as a few things are in order:
- You can’t notarize something for yourself; there needs to be another person involved.
- The document and situation need to be a valid reason for notarization according to New Hampshire law.
- You’ll need to verify the person’s identity and make sure they understand what they’re signing.
How much can I charge for my notary services?
In New Hampshire, your fees are flexible for almost every kind of notary work; nonetheless, they cannot go above $10 per job. A few of these tasks can involve witnessing a signature, presenting an oath, or verifying the reliability of an official copy.
There’s a separate rule for depositions, though. For those, you can charge the same rate as a justice of the peace, which has to be between $5 and $50. On top of that, you can also tack on a travel fee if you have to go somewhere to notarize something. The travel fee is a reasonable 20 cents per mile.
Is Online Notary Legal in New Hampshire?
Online notarization is totally valid for public notaries in New Hampshire. As of February 6, 2022, it is a decision to make. To become an online remote notary, all you’re required to do is register with the Secretary of State’s office and let them know which service provider you want to use for the online notarizations.
What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?
If you move or change your name, make sure to inform the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office. This is because they need to keep all of your data up to date, especially since they’re sending out renewal submissions. Just let them know that you have a new address.
Additionally, you have to offer them with both your old and new names and demand a new commission based on your new details. The new commission takes an extra fee of $5.
How do I renew my New Hampshire Notary Public Commission?
Renewing your Notary Public commission in New Hampshire is pretty straightforward. It’s basically the same process you went through to become a notary in the first place. The Secretary of State’s office will kindly mail you a renewal application about three months before your current commission expires. Since there are no online applications, keep an eye out for that mail!
How do I become an Online Notary in New Hampshire?
We have already explained how to do this in our How to Become an Online Notary in New Hampshire guide. It is an in-depth guide that gives all you need to become a notary in New Hampshire for online purposes.
