I85PREP
⌘ K
New Hampshire Notary study materials
New Hampshire Notary study resources

New Hampshire Notary practice questions

One question at a time. Build your New Hampshire Notary understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Commission Eligibility and Application Process

To be appointed as a New Hampshire notary public, an applicant must be at least how old?

  1. 21 years of age
  2. 16 years of age
  3. 18 years of age Correct answer.
  4. 25 years of age

Explanation

New Hampshire requires notary applicants to be at least 18 years old at the time of application, in addition to being a resident or holding qualifying status. Age is verified through the identification submitted with the application.

Question 2Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which characteristic is required of a New Hampshire notary applicant?

  1. Good moral character Correct answer.
  2. Membership in a professional association
  3. A college degree
  4. Registration as a New Hampshire voter

Explanation

New Hampshire law requires notary applicants to be of good moral character, a standard assessed through the application and any background review. Educational credentials and organizational memberships are not conditions of appointment.

Question 3Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Where does a New Hampshire notary applicant file the application for a commission?

  1. With the local police department
  2. With the governor's office
  3. With the Secretary of State Correct answer.
  4. With the county sheriff

Explanation

The Secretary of State administers notary commissions in New Hampshire, including receiving applications and issuing commissions. Local law enforcement, sheriffs, and the governor's office play no role in filing the application.

Question 4Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which document does New Hampshire require an applicant to submit to confirm identity and eligibility when applying for a notary commission?

  1. A copy of a lease
  2. A utility bill
  3. A letter from an employer
  4. A valid form of identification Correct answer.

Explanation

Applicants must provide valid identification so the Secretary of State can verify identity and eligibility. Utility bills, employment letters, and leases do not establish identity for this purpose.

Question 5Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire applicant is a legal resident of the state but has never registered to vote there. How does this affect eligibility for a notary commission?

  1. The applicant must obtain a sponsor
  2. The applicant is ineligible until registered to vote
  3. The applicant may apply because voter registration is not required Correct answer.
  4. The applicant must wait one year after moving

Explanation

Residency, not voter registration, is the relevant status for a New Hampshire notary commission. An applicant who lawfully resides in the state may apply regardless of voter registration.

Question 6Commission Eligibility and Application Process

What is the term length of a New Hampshire notary public commission?

  1. Three years
  2. Two years
  3. Seven years
  4. Five years Correct answer.

Explanation

A New Hampshire notary commission runs for five years, after which the notary must seek reappointment to continue notarizing. Shorter or longer terms do not match the statutory period.

Question 7Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which action must a newly commissioned New Hampshire notary take before performing notarial acts?

  1. Take the oath of office and file it as required Correct answer.
  2. Publish a newspaper notice
  3. Post a surety bond at the courthouse
  4. Join a statewide notary association

Explanation

After the commission issues, the notary must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate office before acting. Newspaper publication, association membership, and courthouse bonding are not required steps.

Question 8Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary wants to use a different name after a legal name change. What must the notary do regarding the commission?

  1. Nothing, because the commission follows the person automatically
  2. Ask a court to amend the commission
  3. Apply for a new commission reflecting the new name Correct answer.
  4. Wait until the current term expires

Explanation

When a notary's legal name changes, the commission must be updated to reflect the new name, which generally means applying for a new commission. A commission is tied to the name under which it was issued, so continuing to notarize under an outdated name creates problems.

Question 9Commission Eligibility and Application Process

What happens to a New Hampshire notary commission if the notary permanently moves out of state and no longer meets the residency or qualifying status requirement?

  1. The commission transfers to the new state
  2. The commission remains valid until expiration
  3. The commission converts to a federal commission
  4. The commission is void and the notary may not act Correct answer.

Explanation

Eligibility for a New Hampshire commission depends on maintaining the required residency or qualifying status. Once the notary no longer meets that requirement, the commission is void and notarial acts may not be performed.

Question 10Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant has a prior criminal conviction. How should this be handled in a New Hampshire notary application?

  1. It must be disclosed and reviewed as part of the character assessment Correct answer.
  2. It may be omitted because only recent years count
  3. It may be replaced with a reference letter
  4. It disqualifies the applicant automatically for life

Explanation

Applicants must disclose required information, including criminal history, and the Secretary of State evaluates it as part of the good moral character review. A conviction is not an automatic permanent bar, but concealment is itself a serious problem.

Question 11Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which fee-related statement is accurate for a New Hampshire notary application?

  1. The fee is set individually by each town clerk
  2. The application is free but requires a donation
  3. The fee is refunded after commissioning
  4. The application requires a fee set by the Secretary of State Correct answer.

Explanation

The Secretary of State sets the application fee for a notary commission, and the applicant must pay it when filing. Fees are not set locally by town clerks and are not refunded on commissioning.

Question 12Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary's five-year commission expires while the notary is still actively serving clients. What is the notary's status after expiration?

  1. The notary may continue for a 90-day grace period
  2. The notary may act only for family members
  3. The notary may not perform notarial acts until recommissioned Correct answer.
  4. The notary may act if a client signs a waiver

Explanation

A commission authorizes notarial acts only during its term. Once it expires, the person is no longer a notary and cannot perform notarial acts until a new commission is issued.

Question 13Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which statement best describes the reappointment process for a New Hampshire notary whose term is ending?

  1. The notary must pass a new examination each term
  2. The notary must submit a new application and pay the applicable fee Correct answer.
  3. The notary must be renominated by a state legislator
  4. The commission renews automatically without any action

Explanation

Reappointment requires the notary to apply again and pay the applicable fee, and the notary must still meet eligibility requirements. Commissions do not renew automatically, and no legislative nomination or recurring exam is required.

Question 14Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant submits an application containing a false statement about eligibility. What is the most significant consequence under New Hampshire law?

  1. The applicant pays a small fine and is commissioned
  2. The commission may be denied or revoked for the false statement Correct answer.
  3. The applicant must wait one month and reapply
  4. The application is simply returned for correction

Explanation

False statements on a notary application can lead to denial or later revocation of the commission because they undermine the good moral character requirement. The consequences are more serious than a simple return or minor fine.

Question 15Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which circumstance would most likely require a New Hampshire notary to obtain a new commission rather than continue under the existing one?

  1. Changing the notary's legal name Correct answer.
  2. Moving to a new address within New Hampshire
  3. Buying a new stamp
  4. Taking a part-time job

Explanation

A legal name change requires a new commission because the commission is issued in the notary's legal name. Address changes, new supplies, and outside employment do not require a new commission.

Question 16Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire resident wants to apply for a notary commission but has never held public office or worked in a law office. How does this affect the application?

  1. The applicant must first serve as a clerk
  2. The applicant may apply because prior office or legal work is not required Correct answer.
  3. The applicant is ineligible without public office experience
  4. The applicant must obtain a court appointment

Explanation

New Hampshire does not require prior public office or legal employment to become a notary. Applicants need to satisfy age, residency or qualifying status, character, and application requirements.

Question 17Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which office should a New Hampshire notary contact with questions about the status of a pending application?

  1. The local tax collector
  2. The county registry of deeds
  3. The state police
  4. The Secretary of State Correct answer.

Explanation

Because the Secretary of State administers notary commissions, that office is the correct point of contact for application status questions. Registries of deeds, tax collectors, and state police do not process notary applications.

Question 18Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant for a New Hampshire notary commission is a lawful permanent resident rather than a citizen. Which statement is correct?

  1. Only U.S. citizens may ever be commissioned
  2. The applicant must first become a citizen
  3. The applicant may be commissioned only for one year
  4. The applicant may qualify if the statutory residency or status requirement is met Correct answer.

Explanation

New Hampshire eligibility turns on meeting the statutory residency or qualifying status requirement, and citizenship is not the sole route. An applicant who satisfies the statutory criteria may be commissioned.

Question 19Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A person who was previously commissioned in New Hampshire let the commission lapse several years ago. What is the correct approach to resume notarizing?

  1. Apply for a new commission and meet current requirements Correct answer.
  2. Resume immediately because the prior commission never truly ended
  3. Use an out-of-state commission instead
  4. Ask a client to petition the state on the notary's behalf

Explanation

A lapsed commission cannot be reactivated by simply resuming work; the person must apply for a new commission and satisfy the requirements in effect. Prior commissioning does not create continuing authority.

Question 20Commission Eligibility and Application Process

What is the primary purpose of the Secretary of State's review of a New Hampshire notary application?

  1. To assign the applicant a notary territory
  2. To determine the applicant's fee schedule
  3. To confirm the applicant meets statutory eligibility requirements Correct answer.
  4. To assess the applicant's marketing plan

Explanation

The review confirms that the applicant satisfies the statutory criteria, such as age, residency or qualifying status, and good moral character, before a commission issues. Marketing plans, fee schedules, and territories are not part of the review.

Question 21Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary commission is issued, but the notary delays taking the required oath. What is the effect?

  1. The notary may act immediately because the commission alone suffices
  2. The commission is permanently void after one week
  3. The notary may act if a witness observes
  4. The notary may not perform notarial acts until the oath requirement is satisfied Correct answer.

Explanation

The oath of office is a required step, and the notary should not perform notarial acts until it is completed and filed as required. A witness cannot substitute for the oath, and the commission is not automatically void after a short period.

Question 22Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which combination of facts would disqualify a New Hampshire notary applicant from eligibility?

  1. Being 19, a resident, and of good moral character
  2. Being 45, a resident, and of good moral character
  3. Being 30, a resident, and of good moral character
  4. Being 17, a resident, and of good moral character Correct answer.

Explanation

The minimum age for a New Hampshire notary commission is 18, so a 17-year-old applicant fails the age requirement even if residency and character are satisfied. The other listed applicants meet the age threshold.

Question 23Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant moves from New Hampshire to another state mid-term but intends to keep notarizing New Hampshire documents remotely. What is the correct analysis?

  1. The notary may continue until the next renewal cycle
  2. The notary loses eligibility upon ceasing to meet the residency or status requirement Correct answer.
  3. The notary may continue if clients consent in writing
  4. The notary may continue because the commission term has not ended

Explanation

Eligibility must be maintained throughout the term, so a notary who no longer meets the residency or qualifying status requirement loses the authority to act under the New Hampshire commission. Client consent or the remaining term length does not preserve authority.

Question 24Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary discovers an error in the application that was filed years earlier, such as an incorrect address. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Destroy the original application
  2. Ignore it because the commission already issued
  3. Correct the record with the Secretary of State as required Correct answer.
  4. Announce the correction in a newspaper

Explanation

Notaries should keep the Secretary of State's records accurate by correcting information as required. Ignoring the error, destroying records, or publishing a notice does not fulfill the obligation to maintain accurate records.

Question 25Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which scenario best illustrates a violation of the good moral character requirement in a New Hampshire notary application?

  1. Submitting a forged identification document with the application Correct answer.
  2. Applying while employed full time
  3. Applying at age 65
  4. Paying the application fee by personal check

Explanation

Forging an identification document involves dishonesty and undermines the good moral character requirement, and it may also lead to denial or revocation. Paying by check, working full time, and being older are not character concerns.

Question 26Commission Eligibility and Application Process

New Hampshire notary commissions are granted by which state official or office?

  1. The Attorney General
  2. The county register of deeds
  3. The Governor
  4. The Secretary of State Correct answer.

Explanation

In New Hampshire the Secretary of State administers the notary public program, including reviewing applications, issuing commissions, and maintaining the roster of commissioned notaries. The Governor and Attorney General have no role in commissioning notaries, and registers of deeds handle land records rather than notary commissions.

Question 27Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which characteristic must an applicant for a New Hampshire notary commission generally possess?

  1. A minimum age of 18 and residence or a qualifying connection to the state Correct answer.
  2. Prior experience as a bank teller or loan officer
  3. Membership in the New Hampshire Bar Association
  4. A college degree in paralegal studies

Explanation

New Hampshire requires notary applicants to be adults of good moral character with the residency or other connection the statute specifies. Bar membership, a particular degree, and prior financial-sector employment are not eligibility requirements for a notary commission.

Question 28Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant is assembling a New Hampshire notary application and wants to know how the Secretary of State's office typically expects the application to be submitted. Which approach fits standard practice?

  1. File the application with the town clerk where the applicant votes
  2. Ask a sitting notary to submit the application on the applicant's behalf
  3. Mail a handwritten letter of interest and wait to be contacted for an interview
  4. Submit the completed application with the required fee through the process the Secretary of State prescribes Correct answer.

Explanation

Applications for a New Hampshire notary commission are filed with the Secretary of State using the form and fee the office prescribes, whether paper or online. A letter of interest, a sponsor's filing, or submission to a town clerk does not start the commissioning process.

Question 29Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary moves to a new street address within the same town. What is the notary's obligation regarding the commission record held by the Secretary of State?

  1. Notify the Secretary of State of the address change as the office requires Correct answer.
  2. Ask the local police department to update the notary's file
  3. Nothing, because the commission attaches to the person and not the address
  4. Surrender the commission and reapply from the new address

Explanation

New Hampshire notaries are expected to keep their contact information current with the Secretary of State so the office can reach them and so the public roster stays accurate. The commission itself continues, so neither surrender nor a fresh application is needed, and police departments keep no notary files.

Question 30Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which document or step is most closely associated with the formal start of a New Hampshire notary's authority to act after approval?

  1. Taking and filing the required oath of office Correct answer.
  2. Publishing a notice in a newspaper of general circulation
  3. Filing a copy of the commission with the local district court
  4. Recording a surety bond with the county

Explanation

After the Secretary of State approves the application and issues the commission, the new notary must take the oath of office and see that it is filed as required before performing notarial acts. New Hampshire does not require a county-recorded bond, district court filing, or newspaper notice as part of becoming a notary.

Question 31Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary's commission is in good standing, but the notary wants to add a second office location in another town where clients are seen. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Transfer the commission to the town clerk of the second town
  2. Obtain a separate commission for each town where the notary meets clients
  3. Ask the second town to issue a municipal notary license
  4. Continue under the existing commission and keep the Secretary of State informed of the practice address Correct answer.

Explanation

A single New Hampshire commission authorizes the notary to act throughout the state, so a second office does not require a second commission or a municipal license. The notary should simply ensure the Secretary of State has current practice information.

Question 32Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant for a New Hampshire notary commission has a history of fraudulent financial dealings that resulted in a civil judgment. How does this bear on the application?

  1. It automatically bars the applicant for life with no review
  2. It matters only if the judgment exceeds a set dollar threshold
  3. It may be weighed in the good moral character review even without a criminal conviction Correct answer.
  4. It is irrelevant because only criminal convictions are considered

Explanation

Good moral character review looks at the applicant's overall conduct, not just criminal records, so civil findings of dishonesty can be considered. The Secretary of State evaluates the circumstances rather than applying an automatic lifetime bar or a dollar threshold.

Question 33Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary applicant lists a post office box as the only mailing address. Why might the Secretary of State's office request a physical address as well?

  1. Because a post office box cannot receive certified mail under state law
  2. Because physical addresses are published only for attorneys
  3. Because notaries are required to live at the address listed on the commission
  4. Because the office needs a reliable way to locate and correspond with the commission holder Correct answer.

Explanation

The Secretary of State maintains records to contact notaries and to identify where they are based, so a physical location is often requested alongside a mailing address. The requirement is administrative and does not mean the notary must reside at that exact spot.

Question 34Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which situation would most likely prompt the Secretary of State to request additional information before acting on a New Hampshire notary application?

  1. The applicant discloses an unresolved matter that bears on character or eligibility Correct answer.
  2. The applicant works for a company that does notarize documents internally
  3. The applicant has previously served as a witness on a will
  4. The applicant has held a driver's license for more than ten years

Explanation

When an application raises a question about eligibility or character, the reviewing office may ask for more detail before deciding. Long-held licenses, employer notarization practices, and prior witness experience do not by themselves trigger additional scrutiny.

Question 35Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant is unsure whether a prior arrest that was later dismissed must be disclosed on the New Hampshire notary application. What is the safest and most accurate guidance?

  1. Disclose it only if the arrest occurred in New Hampshire
  2. Disclose it and provide context, because the application asks about the applicant's history Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the Secretary of State asks about it before mentioning it
  4. Omit it, since a dismissal means the record never existed

Explanation

Applications typically ask about the applicant's history, and a dismissed arrest may still need to be reported with an explanation so the office can evaluate it accurately. Concealing a matter that the form asks about is riskier than disclosing it with context.

Question 36Commission Eligibility and Application Process

What is the effect of submitting a New Hampshire notary application with a required attachment missing?

  1. The applicant must wait one year before reapplying
  2. The commission is issued provisionally until the attachment arrives
  3. The application is treated as incomplete and processing may be delayed or stopped Correct answer.
  4. The missing attachment is waived automatically

Explanation

The Secretary of State reviews a complete application, so a missing required attachment generally makes the filing incomplete and can delay or halt processing until it is supplied. There is no automatic waiver, provisional commission, or one-year waiting period for an incomplete filing.

Question 37Commission Eligibility and Application Process

A New Hampshire notary's commission is active, and the notary wants to change the name printed on the commission after marriage. Which step aligns with the Secretary of State's process?

  1. Continue notarizing under the former name until the term ends
  2. Have a fellow notary initial the change on the commission certificate
  3. Ask a court to amend the notary commission
  4. Request the name change from the Secretary of State and follow the office's instructions Correct answer.

Explanation

A legal name change should be reported to the Secretary of State so the commission record and any certificate reflect the notary's current legal name, following the office's procedure. A court does not amend notary commissions, and another notary cannot alter the certificate.

Question 38Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which factor is most relevant to whether a New Hampshire notary applicant meets the residency or connection requirement for a commission?

  1. Whether the applicant owns real estate in New Hampshire
  2. Whether the applicant is a resident of or otherwise qualified under New Hampshire law Correct answer.
  3. Whether the applicant has lived in New England for a decade
  4. Whether the applicant has a New Hampshire bank account

Explanation

Eligibility turns on the residency or other qualifying connection that New Hampshire law specifies, not on property ownership, banking relationships, or regional tenure. The Secretary of State applies the statutory standard when reviewing the application.

Question 39Commission Eligibility and Application Process

An applicant for a New Hampshire notary commission is also employed by a title company that will use the notary's services. What should the applicant understand about this arrangement?

  1. The commission must be issued in the employer's name
  2. Holding a commission is permitted, but notarial acts must follow the law and avoid improper influence Correct answer.
  3. The employer must co-sign the notary application
  4. Dual employment disqualifies the applicant from holding a commission

Explanation

Nothing in New Hampshire notary eligibility bars an employee of a title company or similar business from being commissioned, but the notary must perform notarial acts lawfully and free of improper influence from an interested employer. The application is the individual's, and the commission is personal to the notary.

Question 40Commission Eligibility and Application Process

Which statement accurately describes how a New Hampshire notary commission is tied to the individual who holds it?

  1. It passes to a spouse upon the notary's death
  2. It may be sold along with a business
  3. It may be assigned to a coworker during a leave of absence
  4. It is personal and cannot be transferred to another person Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary commission is granted to a specific individual based on that person's eligibility and oath, so it cannot be assigned, sold, or inherited. Anyone else who wishes to notarize must obtain a commission in their own name.

Question 41Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

In New Hampshire, an applicant for a notary public commission must obtain a criminal record check from which source before submitting the application?

  1. The New Hampshire Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Identification Correct answer.
  2. The New Hampshire Secretary of State's office
  3. A private background screening company approved by the Governor
  4. The local police department where the applicant resides

Explanation

New Hampshire requires notary applicants to file a criminal record check obtained through the state's central repository, the Department of Justice Bureau of Criminal Identification. The check is part of the application packet submitted to the Secretary of State. A local police check or a private vendor report does not satisfy the statutory requirement.

Question 42Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

Which official receives and processes a completed New Hampshire notary public application and issues the commission?

  1. The New Hampshire Attorney General
  2. The New Hampshire Secretary of State Correct answer.
  3. The clerk of the superior court in the applicant's county
  4. The Governor's legal counsel

Explanation

The Secretary of State is the office that receives notary applications, reviews them for completeness, and issues the commission after approval. Applicants should direct filing questions and status inquiries there. The other offices play no role in issuing notary commissions.

Question 43Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

A New Hampshire notary applicant signs the application form. What does the endorsement section of the application generally require?

  1. Signatures of endorsers who attest to the applicant's character and qualifications Correct answer.
  2. A copy of the applicant's most recent tax return
  3. A listing of every notarial act the applicant expects to perform
  4. A statement of the applicant's employer's business license number

Explanation

The endorsement portion of the application calls for endorsers to sign in support of the applicant, attesting to good character and fitness for the office. Endorsements are a traditional part of the appointment process in New Hampshire. Financial and tax information is not part of the endorsement section.

Question 44Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

A New Hampshire notary's commission has expired and the notary wants a new commission. How is the notary's application generally treated?

  1. As a new application requiring the full filing, including a current criminal record check Correct answer.
  2. As a request handled solely by the Governor's office
  3. As an automatic reinstatement upon payment of a late fee only
  4. As a renewal that skips the criminal record check

Explanation

Once a commission lapses, the applicant generally must apply as a new applicant and complete the full application requirements, including a current criminal record check. A lapsed commission is not renewed by paying a fee alone. The Secretary of State processes the new application.

Question 45Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

An applicant's criminal record check shows an arrest that was later annulled. How should the applicant handle this on the New Hampshire notary application?

  1. Disclose it and provide any requested explanation or documentation Correct answer.
  2. List it only if the arrest occurred in New Hampshire
  3. Report it only if the Secretary of State asks in a follow-up letter
  4. Omit it entirely because annulled records are erased by law

Explanation

Applicants should answer the criminal history questions fully and honestly and supply any explanation or court documentation requested. Annulment affects how records may be used but does not authorize a false or incomplete answer on a sworn application. Concealment risks denial or later revocation.

Question 46Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

Who may serve as an endorser on a New Hampshire notary public application?

  1. Only elected state officials
  2. Only the applicant's immediate family members
  3. Persons who personally know the applicant and can attest to good character Correct answer.
  4. Only attorneys licensed in New Hampshire

Explanation

Endorsers are individuals who know the applicant and vouch for the applicant's character and suitability. The role is not limited to attorneys, officials, or relatives. Endorsers should be able to speak from personal knowledge of the applicant.

Question 47Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

An applicant submits a notary application with a criminal record check that is several years old. What is the likely result?

  1. The applicant is permanently barred from holding a commission
  2. The application may be rejected or returned as incomplete because the check must be current Correct answer.
  3. The application is accepted because the check never expires
  4. The application is automatically approved with a probationary commission

Explanation

The criminal record check must be current at the time of filing; an outdated report does not reflect the applicant's present record. The Secretary of State may return the packet as incomplete, delaying the commission. The applicant can obtain a new check and refile.

Question 48Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

Which statement best describes the effect of a felony conviction on a New Hampshire notary application?

  1. It requires the applicant to withdraw the application immediately
  2. It may be considered in the review and can support denial depending on the circumstances Correct answer.
  3. It automatically disqualifies the applicant for life
  4. It has no bearing on eligibility under any circumstances

Explanation

Criminal history is reviewed as part of the application, and a conviction may be weighed in deciding whether the applicant is fit for the office. The outcome depends on the nature and circumstances of the offense and the applicant's record. It is not an automatic lifetime bar, nor is it irrelevant.

Question 49Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

An applicant asks a friend to sign the endorsement section before the applicant has completed the rest of the form. What is the best practice?

  1. Endorsers may sign at any time regardless of the form's completeness
  2. Endorsers should sign only after the commission is issued
  3. The applicant should complete the application first so endorsers sign an accurate, final document Correct answer.
  4. Endorsements may be submitted verbally to the Secretary of State

Explanation

Endorsers should sign the completed application so that what they attest to matches the final filing. Signing a blank or partial form undermines the reliability of the endorsement. Verbal endorsements are not accepted in place of signed ones.

Question 50Endorsements, Criminal Record Check, and Application Processing

What must an applicant do with the completed criminal record check when filing the New Hampshire notary application?

  1. Keep the original and send only a verbal confirmation of the results
  2. Deliver it to the local probate court for recording
  3. Include it with the application materials submitted to the Secretary of State Correct answer.
  4. Send it directly to the Governor's office for safekeeping

Explanation

The criminal record check is part of the application packet filed with the Secretary of State. It is not sent to the Governor's office or recorded with a court. The check accompanies the application so the reviewing office can evaluate eligibility.