How to Become a Notary in New Hampshire (2026 Guide)
Published March 4, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Key Takeaways
- No exam or training required
- No surety bond required
- Application fee: $75 | Commission term: 5 years
- Processing time: 8-10 weeks (Governor and Executive Council approval)
- Requires endorsement from 2 NH notaries + 1 NH registered voter
- Notary stamp not legally required but recommended
- Maximum fee: $10 per signature, $25 for RON
- RON available (must register separately)
New Hampshire is one of the easiest states to become a notary in terms of requirements: no exam, no training, and no bond. But the process takes longer than most because your appointment must be approved by the Governor and Executive Council. Plan for 8-10 weeks.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a New Hampshire resident, or a resident of an abutting state who is regularly employed or carries on a trade, business, or practice in NH
- Not have any criminal convictions (other than minor traffic violations) that have not been annulled by a court
- Be endorsed by two New Hampshire notaries public and one New Hampshire registered voter
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Obtain the Application
Request the notary application from the New Hampshire Secretary of State. The application includes an Acknowledgement of Criminal Record Check, which the state uses to check the NH State Police database for criminal convictions.
Step 2: Submit with $75 Fee
Submit the completed original application with the $75 fee to the Secretary of State.
Step 3: Governor and Council Approval
Your application goes to the Governor and Executive Council for nomination and appointment. This is why processing takes 8-10 weeks, the Council meets on a schedule, not continuously.
Step 4: Take Your Oath
After appointment, you’ll receive your commission, oath, and the Notary Public Manual. Sign and take your oath in the presence of two justices of the peace, two notaries public, or one of each. Return the signed oath to the Secretary of State. They cannot certify your qualification until it’s on file.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $75 |
| No bond required | $0 |
| Notary stamp (recommended) | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $100-$150 |
How Much Can You Charge?
New Hampshire sets a maximum of $10 per signature for traditional notarizations and $25 for remote online notarizations.
What Notarial Acts Can a New Hampshire Notary Perform?
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Execute jurats
- Take depositions
- Certify copies
- Witness or attest signatures
- Protest negotiable instruments
Notary Stamp Requirements
New Hampshire does not require a notary stamp. If you use one, follow the state’s guidelines. Most NH notaries use a stamp for practical purposes.
Can You Notarize for Family Members?
New Hampshire does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the outcome.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
The Governor and Executive Council can revoke your commission for misconduct. Criminal convictions (other than annulled ones or minor traffic violations) can disqualify you from obtaining or maintaining a commission.
Do You Need E&O Insurance?
Not required, but recommended, especially since New Hampshire has no bond requirement. E&O protects you personally from claims arising from mistakes or negligence.
Renewal
NH notary commissions last 5 years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application: submit a new application, $75 fee, and go through Governor and Council approval. Start the renewal process well before expiration.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
New Hampshire allows RON. After receiving your notary commission, register with the Secretary of State to perform remote notarizations. You must use audio/video technology to verify identities and witness document signing.
Becoming a Signing Agent in New Hampshire
After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program and apply to title companies or signing services. New Hampshire is not an attorney state for real estate closings, so signing agents can handle the full signing process.
New Hampshire’s Governor/Council appointment process is unusual. Most states delegate notary commissions to the Secretary of State alone. The 8-10 week processing time is one of the longest in the country. The $75 application fee is also higher than average, though the lack of bond and exam requirements keeps total costs competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire does not require a notary exam or training course.
Do I need a surety bond in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire does not require a surety bond.
How long does a New Hampshire notary commission last?
5 years from the date of appointment by the Governor and Council.
How long does it take to become a notary in NH?
8-10 weeks. Your application must be approved by the Governor and Executive Council, which meets on a set schedule.
How much can a New Hampshire notary charge?
$10 per signature for traditional notarizations, $25 for remote online notarizations.
Can New Hampshire notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Register with the Secretary of State after receiving your commission. You must use approved audio/video technology.
Employer Obligations
- Your notary commission is personal. It does not belong to your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
- An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability
How New Hampshire Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | New Hampshire | Maine | Massachusetts | Vermont |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | None | None | None | None |
| Exam | No | No | No | Yes |
| Training | No | No | No | No |
| Term | 5 years | 7 years | 7 years | 4 years |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under emergency rules |
New Hampshire has no bond, no exam, and a 5-year term: one of the easiest entries in New England. Vermont is the only neighbor requiring an exam. Maine and Massachusetts offer longer 7-year terms.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in Maine
- How to Become a Notary in Vermont
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the New Hampshire Secretary of State and RSA Chapter 455.
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