How to become a notary in New Hampshire
Eligibility, the application, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the New Hampshire Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor and Executive Council).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, New Hampshire resident; since Aug 4, 2019 also a resident of Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont who is regularly employed or does business in New Hampshire and is a commissioned notary in their home state; Must sign a sworn statement on any convictions not annulled by a court (other than minor traffic violations); application must be endorsed by 3 people: 2 New Hampshire notaries public in good standing and 1 New Hampshire registered voter.
- Complete the background check — Signed Criminal Record Release Authorization form; the Secretary of State checks the State Police database. If a conviction shows up the application stays pending and you must seek approval from the Executive Councilor for your district. Non-residents must also provide a criminal record check from their home state.
- Apply to the New Hampshire Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor and Executive Council) — Pay the $75 state fee.
- Take the oath and file it — After the Governor and Executive Council approve the appointment, sign and take the oath of office before two justices of the peace, two notaries public, or one notary and one justice of the peace, then return the oath to the Secretary of State; you may not act until you have taken the oath.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: official seal or stamp showing your name, 'Notary Public' and 'New Hampshire'; buy it yourself (the SOS does not supply seals). Journal: Required for remote notarizations only (keep 10 years); recommended for in-person acts.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches New Hampshire's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
New Hampshire notary requirements
| Commissioned by | New Hampshire Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor and Executive Council) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · New Hampshire resident; since Aug 4, 2019 also a resident of Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont who is regularly employed or does business in New Hampshire and is a commissioned notary in their home state |
| Course | Not required No mandatory course; the Attorney General / Department of State Notary Public and Justice of the Peace Manual is the official study guide. |
| Exam | Not required No exam. |
| State fee | $75 |
| Other fees | None from the state beyond the $75 commission fee (check payable to the Treasurer, State of New Hampshire, per the application form); out-of-state applicants also supply a home-state criminal record check |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | Signed Criminal Record Release Authorization form; the Secretary of State checks the State Police database. If a conviction shows up the application stays pending and you must seek approval from the Executive Councilor for your district. Non-residents must also provide a criminal record check from their home state. |
| Term | 5 years |
| Oath / filing | After the Governor and Executive Council approve the appointment, sign and take the oath of office before two justices of the peace, two notaries public, or one notary and one justice of the peace, then return the oath to the Secretary of State; you may not act until you have taken the oath |
| Seal | Required: official seal or stamp showing your name, 'Notary Public' and 'New Hampshire'; buy it yourself (the SOS does not supply seals) |
| Journal | Required for remote notarizations only (keep 10 years); recommended for in-person acts |
| Max fee per notarization | $10 per oath, witness, service or certification; depositions $5-$50; $25 per remote (audio-video) notarial act; no fee for town officers' oaths of office |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Any commissioned NH notary may notarize for remotely located individuals (RSA 456-B:6-a, effective Feb 6, 2022) after filing the SOS 'Users of E-Notarization' form naming the technology; identity proofing, recorded audio-video session kept 10 years, journal required; max $25 per act |
| Renewal | Same process as a new application (new endorsements and $75 fee); the SOS mails a renewal application about 12 weeks before expiration (renewal forms are not online), so keep your address current |
Appointment goes to the Governor and Executive Council for confirmation, which is why processing is slow. Justice of the Peace is a separate commission (age 21+, 3 years as a registered NH voter, $75).
Sources: NH Secretary of State - Notary Public · Notary Public Application (2024) · Notary Public Application - out-of-state residents (3.5.24) · Notary Public and Justice of the Peace Manual (Feb 2022) · NH SOS - Electronic and Remote Notarization. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a New Hampshire notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other New Hampshire licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All New Hampshire insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in New Hampshire?
The state fee is $75, plus None from the state beyond the $75 commission fee (check payable to the Treasurer, State of New Hampshire, per the application form); out-of-state applicants also supply a home-state criminal record check. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in New Hampshire?
8-10 weeks.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire requires no course or exam, though a short course helps you avoid mistakes.
How much can a notary charge in New Hampshire?
$10 per oath, witness, service or certification; depositions $5-$50; $25 per remote (audio-video) notarial act; no fee for town officers' oaths of office.
Can I be an online notary in New Hampshire?
Yes. Any commissioned NH notary may notarize for remotely located individuals (RSA 456-B:6-a, effective Feb 6, 2022) after filing the SOS 'Users of E-Notarization' form naming the technology; identity proofing, recorded audio-video session kept 10 years, journal required; max $25 per act