How to Become a Notary in New Hampshire

Guide to Becoming a New Hampshire Notary

1. Confirm Eligibility
   You must:

   • Be at least 18 years old.

   • Be a resident of New Hampshire, or a resident of an abutting state (Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont) who is regularly employed or carries on a trade, business, or practice in New Hampshire and is a notary public in that state of residence.

   • Not have been convicted of a crime that has not been annulled by a court, other than minor traffic violations. Notary.net+3notarypublicstamps.com+3notarypublicstamps.com+3

2. Complete the Application
   Download the Notary Public Application from the New Hampshire Secretary of State's website.

3. Obtain Endorsements
   Secure endorsements from two New Hampshire notaries public and one registered New Hampshire voter.

4. Sign in Presence of Official
   Sign the application in the presence of a notary public or a justice of the peace.

5. Complete Criminal Record Release Authorization
   Fill out the Criminal Record Release Authorization Form and have it notarized.

6. Submit Application and Fee
   Mail the completed application, Criminal Record Release Authorization Form, and a $75 fee (payable to "Treasurer, State of New Hampshire") to:

   New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office
   State House, Room 204
   107 North Main Street
   Concord, NH 03301

7. Await Commission Packet
   After processing (which takes approximately 8–10 weeks), you'll receive your commission, oath of office, and other materials by mail.

8. Take Oath of Office
   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.

9. Return Oath to Secretary of State
   Send the signed oath back to the Secretary of State's office promptly.

10. File Index Card with Superior Court
    Sign the index card included in your commission packet and mail it to the Superior Court in your county.

11. Purchase Notary Seal
    Obtain a notary seal that includes:

    • Your name as it appears on your commission.

    • The words "Notary Public, New Hampshire."

    • Your commission expiration date.

    You may choose between an inked rubber stamp or an embosser. If you use an embosser, a separate stamp with your commission expiration date is required.

12. Maintain a Notary Journal (Optional but Recommended)
    While not required for in-person notarizations, maintaining a journal is strongly recommended. For remote notarizations, keeping a journal is mandatory.

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Commission Term: 5 years.

• Training & Exam: Not required, but optional courses are available.

• Surety Bond: Not required.

• Errors & Omissions Insurance: Optional but recommended for personal protection.