New Mexico Notary

The process to become a notary public in New Mexico is simple and affordable.

To become a notary in New Mexico, you must:

• Be at least eighteen years of age.
• Be a resident of or have a place of employment in the state of New Mexico.
• Be able to read and write the English language.
• 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].

Follow the six steps below to become a notary in New Mexico:

1. Purchase a four-year, $10,000 notary bond.

   A notary bond is required by the secretary of state to protect the public from errors made by the notary. Sign the bond in the presence of a notary public. Once you have had your bond notarized, scan it and save it as a PDF file. You will need to upload it when completing the application on the secretary of state’s website. Click here to order your New Mexico notary bond.

2. Take the oath of office.

   Print the oath of office from the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website. Take the oath of office in the presence of a New Mexico notarial officer. Once you have had your oath notarized, scan it and save it as a PDF file. You will need to upload it when completing the application on the secretary of state’s website.

3. Take the notary course and pass the exam.

   All notary applicants are required to complete the notary education course and exam. An 80% score or higher is required to pass the exam. Once the exam has been completed, your exam certificate will be issued. Click here to access the New Mexico notary education course and exam.

4. Complete a New Mexico notary application on the state’s website. 

   Create a free account on the New Mexico Secretary of State’s online portal, go to “Notary Forms,” and click on “Notary Public Initial Application” to complete the application online. You will be asked to upload your notarized oath of office, notarized notary bond, and exam certificate. You will also have to pay the $30 application filing fee. You will receive an email from the Secretary of State’s Office after your application has been reviewed.

5. Purchase a notary stamp.

   All New Mexico notaries are required to use an official notary stamp every time they notarize documents. All of our New Mexico notary stamps and seals are made in house and come with a lifetime warranty. No questions asked! We will ship your notary supplies once we receive a copy of your New Mexico notary commission certificate. Click here to order a New Mexico notary stamp and a record book.

6. Register your notary stamp.

   Within forty-five days of your notary application approval, you must register your notary stamp with the New Mexico Secretary of State. Make an impression of your notary stamp on a blank piece of paper, scan it, and then upload the file to the secretary of state’s website by filing an amendment to your notary commission.