This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in New Mexico as of June 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Notary Education and Exam
- Surety Bond and Oath of Office
- Application Process
- Commission Term and Renewal
- Official Seal/Stamp and Journal
- Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Fees and Allowed Charges
- Official Resources and Forms
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a New Mexico notary commission, you must:
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Age & Residency/Employment: Be at least 18 years old AND be a New Mexico resident OR have a regular place of employment in New Mexico.
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Language: Be able to read and write English.
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Good Standing: Not have had any notary commission denied, suspended, or revoked in another state AND not have been convicted of a felony or any fraud/deceit-related crime in the past five years.
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Legal Compliance: Not be disqualified under state law (Section 14-14A-22 NMSA 1978).
Get a notary stamp that meets New Mexico’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.
Notary Education and Exam
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Mandatory Training: Before applying, complete the New Mexico Notary Education course and pass the exam. This online course is offered through SOS-approved vendors (fee paid to vendor).
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Exam Requirement: Passing the proctored exam is required for first-time applicants.
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Renewal Exception: If renewing a commission that expired less than one year ago AND your original commission was issued after Jan. 1, 2022, you generally do not need to retake the course/exam.
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Surety Bond and Oath of Office
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Surety Bond: You must purchase a $10,000 surety bond (or equivalent instrument) from an insurer authorized in NM. The bond form must be signed by you (as principal) and notarized by another NM notary.
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Oath of Office: Complete the official Oath of Office form and have it notarized by a current New Mexico notary. This affirms eligibility and promises to follow the law.
Application Process (Online via SOS e-Filing Portal)
Online filing is mandatory from October 2023.
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Prepare Documents: Gather PDF copies of:
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Certificate of Completion from the notary course.
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Notarized Oath of Office form (use SOS official form).
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Signed and notarized $10,000 surety bond.
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File Online: Log in to the SOS e-Filing portal (Enterprise system). Complete the "Notary Public Application" and upload the required PDF documents.
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Pay Filing Fee: Submit the $30 non-refundable filing fee online (e-check or credit card). This covers the 4-year commission term.
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Await Approval & Commission Issuance: SOS issues a Certificate of Commission upon approval (not automatically mailed; print from account or request). Includes notary number and expiration date.
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Stamp Registration (Mandatory): After commission is granted, register your official notary stamp with the SOS online within 45 days. No fee. Failure to register within 45 days results in referral to the State Ethics Commission.
Commission Term and Renewal
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Term Length: Four (4) years. SOS sends renewal reminders ~1 month before expiration.
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Renewal Procedure: Renew online via e-portal ("Renew a Notary Commission").
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Timing: Up to one month before current expiration. If renewed timely, the new commission continues the same anniversary month/day. If late, 4 years from the new filing date.
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Requirements: New $10,000 bond, notarized Oath of Office, $30 filing fee.
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Exam Exception: No re-exam if current commission expired <12 months ago AND original commission was after Jan. 1, 2022. Otherwise, full new applicant requirements (including training/exam).
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Post-Renewal: Register new stamp within 45 days of renewed commission.
Official Seal/Stamp and Journal
Official Stamp Requirements: Mandatory. Ink stamp, 10-point font.
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Content:
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“State of New Mexico”
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“Notary Public”
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Your exact legal name (as on commission)
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Your commission number
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Your commission expiration date
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The New Mexico State Seal (image).
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Automatic Notarial Officers (judges, clerks, attorneys): Stamp says “Notarial Officer,” includes office/court info.
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Obtaining/Registration: Purchase after commission. Upload image for stamp registration with SOS.
Journal (Record Book): Mandatory. Every notarial officer must keep a journal of all notarial acts.
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Format: Bound paper book or secure, tamper-evident electronic journal (convertible to PDF).
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Entries (contemporaneous): Date/time; type of act and document description; each signer’s full name and address; ID method (personal knowledge or ID type, issue/expiry dates); fee charged (if any).
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Retention: At least 10 years after last entry.
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Security: Report lost/stolen journal to SOS immediately.
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RON Journal: For RON acts, also log name of RON technology provider.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Permitted under RULONA.
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Eligibility & Application: Must be commissioned NM notary. Apply for RON approval via SOS portal (amendment). Complete separate RON education course/exam. Submit proposed e-seal image. Pay $75 RON filing fee. RON registration valid for current commission term.
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Location: Notary must be physically in New Mexico. Signer appears via two-way audio-video.
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Identity Verification: Approved means (e.g., ID scan + credential analysis or KBA).
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Electronic Acts: Use e-certificates, e-seal, e-signature. Record in e-journal (note RON provider). Notary must reasonably ensure signer acts voluntarily. Refuse if tech fails or ID unverifiable.
Fees and Allowed Charges
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Application/Renewal Fee: $30.
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RON Authorization Fee: $75.
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Notarial Act Fees (Traditional): Max $5.00 per acknowledgment, jurat, or oath. Copy certifications: 50¢/page (min $5.00 total).
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RON Technology Surcharge: Up to $25.00 per act (plus the $5 notarial fee).
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Travel Fees: By prior agreement with signer.
Official Resources and Forms
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NM SOS Website: sos.nm.gov/notary-and-apostille (main Notary page for commissions, forms, handbook).
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Online Portal (Enterprise): enterprise.sos.nm.gov (for all filings).
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Forms: Oath of Office, applications (commission, stamp registration, RON, name/address change, duplicate certificate) on SOS site.
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Notarial Officer Handbook (July 2023): Details NM notary law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can become a New Mexico notary?
A: ≥18, NM resident (or employed in NM), English literate. No felony or fraud/deceit crime (past 5 yrs). No prior notary commission denial/revocation. (Automatic Notarial Officers like judges/attorneys have streamlined rules).
Q: How do I apply for a notary commission?
A: Complete required education/exam. Get $10k bond, notarized Oath. Apply online via SOS portal: upload course cert, Oath, bond; pay $30 fee. After commission, register stamps with SOS (within 45 days).
Q: How long is a commission valid, and how do I renew?
A: 4 years. Renew online up to 1 month pre-expiration. New bond, Oath, $30 fee. Exam may be waived for renewal if expired <1 yr and original commission post 1/1/22. Register a new stamp.
Q: Do I have to take a training course or exam?
A: Yes, SOS-approved education course and exam for new applicants. Exams may be waived for some renewals. Separate RON course/exam for RON authorization.
Q: Do I need a surety bond?
A: Yes, a $10,000 surety bond (or equivalent) is mandatory for the 4-year term.
Q: What should my notary stamp include?
A: 10-pt font: "State of New Mexico," "Notary Public," your name, commission #, expiration date, NM State Seal image.
Q: Do I need to keep a journal?
A: Yes, mandatory for all acts. Record date/time, act/doc type, signer name/address, ID method, fee. Keep 10 yrs post-last entry. Report lost/stolen to SOS.
Q: Can I notarize documents remotely?
A: Yes, if approved as a Remote Online Notary. Requires RON education/exam, $75 fee, e-seal registration. Notary in NM, signer via audio-video, specific ID/tech rules.
Q: How much can I charge for notarizations?
A: Max $5/act (acknowledgment, jurat, oath). Copy cert: 50¢/page (min $5). RON: add up to $25 tech surcharge. Travel by agreement.
Q: What if I change my name or address, or need a duplicate certificate?
A: Notify SOS via online portal forms (Name Change, Address Change, Duplicate Certificate). No fee for address change.
Always consult official New Mexico SOS resources for the most current information.