How to Become a Notary Public in New Mexico

1. Complete the Online New Mexico Notary Training Course (not required)
2. Request a Notary application from the Secretary of State or visit the SOS web site at www.sos.state.nm.us. to download the application.
3. Affirm that the applicant meets the qualifications set out above.
4. Order a seal or rubber stamp. An embosser  is made of heavy metal and makes an impression on the paper. It contains the applicant's name, as described in Section E, below, and the words "Notary Public-State of New Mexico."   A rubber stamp shall be in the following form:OFFICIAL SEAL Name of Notary Public (PRINTED) NOTARY PUBLIC - STATE OF NEW MEXICO My commission expires:____________________ 
5. Rubber stamps cannot have a signature line, and a round rubber stamp is not acceptable.  Affix the seal or rubber stamp on the application in the space provided. Applications must be completed in black ink only and without background colors of any type. Also, applications which contain liquid paper or any signatures which have been traced or written over will not be accepted.
6. Complete the application using the applicant's last name and first or middle name, plus an initial or additional name, if desired, or last name and two initials.  Do not include titles on the application, stamp or seal.  Use only the applicant's name.  The applicant's name must be identical to the name on the seal or stamp.
7. Have two New Mexico residents sign the form attesting to the applicant's good moral character.
8. The applicant takes the oath before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths.  The name and signature on the oath must be identical to the name and signature on the bond application and the name on the notarial seal or stamp.  The Notary Public who notarizes the applicant's oath must sign his/her name, affix his/her seal, and enter his/her complete expiration date.
9. Each notary public is required to obtain a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) surety bond which can be purchased from an insurance company.  Each surety bond must contain:the applicant signs as the principal and his/her signature must be notarized (Acknowledgment of Principal (Applicant);an official of the insurance company must sign and provide his/her title.  His/her signature also must be notarized (Acknowledgment for Insurance Company);the insurance company's corporate seal must appear on the surety bond; a power of attorney from the insurance company, with the name of the company official who signed the surety bond, must accompany the application and surety bond.
10. Return the completed application, surety bond, power of attorney, and a check or money order in the mount of $20.00 payable to the Secretary  of State, 325 Don Gaspar,  Suite 300, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503.

1. If the application is accepted, the Governor will appoint the applicant as a Notary Public for  a term of four (4) years. The applicant cannot act as a Notary Public until he receives his certificate of appointment from this office.
2. A Notary Public may be reappointed every four years thereafter by making application in the same manner as required for an original application. Each Notary Public is sent a notice of his term's expiration by the Secretary of State one month before his commission expiration date.

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