New Hampshire Notary
New Hampshire Notary Public
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The New Hampshire Notary Public commission is a public appointment made by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, under RSA 455-A. It is for New Hampshire residents at least 18 years old, and - effective August 4, 2019 - also for residents of Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont who are registered notaries in their home state and regularly employed or carry on a trade, business, or practice in New Hampshire. Commissioned notaries may acknowledge legal documents, administer oaths and affirmations, take verifications and depositions, perform copy certifications, notarize signatures, and note protests of negotiable legal documents. This study page prepares you for the knowledge needed across the appointment lifecycle: eligibility and the application, the criminal record check and endorsement requirements, the oath of office and commission, notarial powers and duties, seal and rubber stamp contents, the fee schedule and its limits, and renewal and record-change administration. Preparation means reading the Secretary of State's Notary Public and Justice of the Peace Manual and RSA 456-B (Uniform Law on Notarial Acts), then drilling the concrete numbers - the $75 fee, 8–10 week processing, 5-year term, $10 per act, and $0.20 per mile. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with the State of New Hampshire.
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About New Hampshire Notary preparation
Who can apply for a New Hampshire notary commission?
New Hampshire residents must be at least 18 years old. Since August 4, 2019, residents of Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont may also apply if they are registered notaries in their home state and are regularly employed or carry on a trade, business, or practice in New Hampshire at the time of applying.
What does the application require besides the form itself?
You complete both sides of the Notary Public Application, including the Acknowledgement of Criminal Record Check on the back. Two notaries public and one registered New Hampshire voter must endorse it. Abutting-state applicants also file an Affidavit of Employment. Mail the original with the $75 fee to the Secretary of State's Office, Room 204, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301.
How long does the appointment take?
Plan for 8–10 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your application. The office checks the N.H. State Police database, then your application goes to the Governor and Executive Council for nomination, and later for appointment at a different meeting. Your commission arrives within about a week of appointment.
How long is the commission valid?
Five years from the date the Governor and Executive Council confirm your appointment. That appointment date appears on your commission. Because the term runs from confirmation rather than from the date you mail the application, the 8–10 week processing window does not shorten your five years.
What must I do after I receive the commission?
Take your oath of office as soon as you receive it, in the presence of two justices of the peace, two notaries public, or one notary public and one justice of the peace. Those who sign your oath should also sign your commission. Return the oath to the Secretary of State promptly - without it on file, the office cannot certify that you are qualified.
What must my seal or stamp contain?
The official seal must show the notary's name, the words "Notary Public," and the words "New Hampshire." The official rubber stamp must show those same three items plus the expiration date of your commission. The Secretary of State's Office does not supply seals or stamps; you order your own.
How much can I charge for a notarial act?
No more than $10.00 for each oath, witness, service, or certification. For depositions the fee is $5.00 but no more than $50.00, and you are entitled to $0.20 per mile when traveling to swear in witnesses. You cannot charge a fee to administer oaths of office for town officers.
How do I renew, and what if I move or change my name?
Renewal follows the same process as your original application. The Secretary of State mails a renewal application about 12 weeks before expiration, and renewal forms are not available online. If you move or change your name during your five-year term, notify the office or the renewal form will not reach you.
How should I prepare for a New Hampshire notary exam?
Read the Secretary of State's Notary Public and Justice of the Peace Manual and RSA 456-B, then drill the concrete figures: $75 fee, 8–10 week processing, 5-year term, $10 per act, $5–$50 depositions, $0.20 per mile, 12-week renewal mailing, and three endorsers. Our practice questions are unofficial and independent of the state.