Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey toward a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in New Hampshire, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.

Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.

Become a Notary in New Hampshire

In order to become a notary in New Hampshire, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

In order to apply to become a notary in New Hampshire, certain basic requirements must be met. Namely, all applicants must:

• Be a resident of New Hampshire (see new reciprocity law below)
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Sign a written statement under oath as to whether they have ever been convicted of a crime that has not been annulled by a court (except for minor traffic violations)
• Have their application for appointment endorsed by two notaries public and one registered voter of New Hampshire
• Complete an Acknowledgement of Criminal Record Check Form (which appears on the reverse side of the application)

Note: Since 2019, residents of neighboring states have been permitted to apply in certain circumstances. These are detailed on the New Hampshire Secretary of State website.

Step 2: Complete and Notarize the Application Form

Depending on whether you’re a New Hampshire resident or reside out of state, your application process will differ slightly. We’ve outlined both for you below.

Procedure for New Hampshire Residents

The first step will be to fill out the entire Notary Public Application. You can obtain your application form in several ways:

• Download the New Application Form from the Secretary of State’s website (this contains the Acknowledgement of Criminal Record Check on the back)
• Make your request over the phone by calling (603) 271-3242
• Email your request to administration@sos.nh.gov 
• Mail your request in writing to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Office at the following address:

107 North Main Street
State House Room 204
Concord, N.H. 03301

Once you’ve completed your application, you will need to have it endorsed by two New Hampshire notaries public and one NH registered voter.

Procedure for Out-Of-State Residents

First, you’ll need to download and complete the Notary Public Application for Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont residents.

Then, get your application form endorsed by two New Hampshire notaries public and one NH registered voter before downloading and filling out the Affidavit of Employment.

Step 3: Complete and Notarize the Criminal Record Release Authorization Form

Next, you will need to fill out the Acknowledgement of Criminal Record Check and have a notary public witness your signing of the form.

If you downloaded the New Application Form for New Hampshire residents from the Secretary of State’s website, you can ignore this step as you should have already completed it as part of your application.

Note: If any convictions are found on your state police records, this may be referred to the Executive Council and affect the outcome of your notary public application.

Step 4: Protect Yourself with Errors and Omissions Insurance

While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts.

It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed all the forms above and purchased your E&O insurance, you’ll be ready to submit your notary application to the New Hampton Secretary of State.

In particular, you’ll need to submit originals of the following documents:

• Your Application Form
• Your Acknowledgment of Criminal Record Check for New Hampshire (if separate to application)
• Criminal History Record completed by the Department of Safety 
• Affidavit of Employment (if you’re an out-of-state applicant)
• A $75.00 processing fee

Remember to make the check payable to: Treasurer, State of New Hampshire.

Note: Don’t worry if you don’t hear back for a while, as application processing can take anywhere between 8 and 10 weeks.

Step 6: Take Your Oath of Office

Once your application has been processed, you should receive a letter from the Secretary of State containing your oath of office and commission.

You’ll have to sign your oath of office with either of the following present:

• Two notaries public
• Two justices of the peace
• One notary public and one justice of the peace

The only requirement as to which combination you should choose is that the same individuals who sign your oath of office must sign your notary commission.

After this has been completed, remember to return your oath of office back to the Office of the Secretary of State quickly so they can verify you’re qualified as a registered notary public.

Note: For any further questions you may have regarding the application process, see the New Hampshire Notary Public and Justice of the Peace Manual for clarification.

Step 7: Equip Yourself With the Necessary Supplies

Once your notary commission is approved, get yourself set up with the necessary notary supplies. These include a notary stamp or seal and a New Hampshire notary record book.

The seal is used to authenticate your notarial acts, and the record book is for logging all the services you provide.

New Hampshire has several requirements for your notary seal. Namely, your official seal must contain:

• Your name
• The words “Notary Public”
• The words “New Hampshire”

In addition to this, a separate rubber stamp should carry your notary commission’s expiration date.

Step 8: Purchase a Course (Optional)

Even though this last step is not a legal requirement, you should note that several New Hampshire notary applicants choose to invest in a notary course. This is because it can offer several benefits, such as:

• Understanding the Law: Notary laws can be complex and vary from state to state. A course can help ensure that notaries fully understand New Hampshire notary laws and how to apply them correctly
• Professional Development: A course can enhance professional skills, making a notary more effective and competent in their role
• Reducing Liability: By better understanding the rules and best practices, notaries can reduce the risk of making errors that could result in legal action
• Increased Confidence: A notary course can boost a notary’s confidence by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to draw from
• Staying Updated: Laws and procedures change over time. A course can help notaries stay current with any changes in notary regulations and practices

So, while it’s not mandatory in New Hampshire, many aspiring notaries find value in such courses. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.