How to Become a Notary in New Mexico

Are you interested in becoming a notary in New Mexico? Becoming a notary is a great way to provide legitimacy to important documents and legal transactions. Having the official stamp of approval from a certified state notary makes any document more prestigious and believable. Plus, traveling around your neighborhood providing such an official service can be both grandly rewarding and financially beneficial for those looking for additional revenue streams. However, it’s not as simple as saying: “I want to become a Notary!” — You must complete the required steps from your state government. With that said, today we will discuss how exactly you would become an officially recognized Notary Public in New Mexico!

What requirements does a person have to meet to be a notary in Mexico?

To become a notary in New Mexico, an individual must meet certain requirements. These include:

• Be at least eighteen years old.
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
• Be a resident of New Mexico or have a place of employment in the State of New Mexico.
• Be able to read and write in English.
• Have completed the Notary Education course and passed the exam

What disqualifies a New Mexico notary public?

Certain criminal convictions and disciplinary action by the New Mexico state licensing board can disqualify an individual from becoming a notary in New Mexico. These include:

• Been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit in the previous five years before applying.
• Had a notary public commission denied, suspended, or revoked in another state.
• Disqualified to receive a notary commission under New Mexico state law.
• Not otherwise qualified as a notarial officer except a court clerk, deputy court clerk, county clerk, or deputy county clerk.

The application process to become a New Mexico Notary Public

1. Notary applicants must take a training course and pass an exam to become a notary in New Mexico. You will pay the fees for the notary course directly to the company that is giving the course.
2. Obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
3. Fill out the necessary notary application form, sign the oath of office section before a Notary Public, and get it notarized.
4. To ensure your application is approved, submit your documents, including the application itself, surety bond, power of attorney (from the surety bond company), certificate of course completion, and certificate of exam completion, alongside a $30 processing fee to the New Mexico Secretary of State.
5. Once your application has been approved, you must present evidence of your notary stamp within 45 days.

Is notary training required to become a notary in New Mexico?

To obtain a Notary commission, applicants must complete an educational course offered by the New Mexico Secretary of State or an authorized third-party organization.

Is a notary exam required to become a notary in New Mexico?

Anyone applying to be a Notary must pass an examination conducted either by the New Mexico Secretary of State or any authorized third-party agency.

Is a notary bond required to become a notary in New Mexico?

Yes, all notaries must purchase a $10,000 surety bond. This bond is designed to protect against errors or omissions while a Notary performs their duties.

Is a notary errors and omissions insurance policy required to become a notary in New Mexico?

No, Errors & Omissions insurance is not mandatory in New Mexico. However, it’s highly recommended that you consider obtaining such a policy to protect against any claims or legal fees arising from mistakes while performing your official duties.

How long does it take to become a notary in New Mexico?

After your application is accepted and all documents are submitted, you could be approved for a notary commission in as little as two weeks to upwards of ten.

Is a notary stamp required for notaries public in New Mexico?

Yes, a notary public must present their official stamp or official seal of office within 45 days of the commission being granted.

Is a notary journal required in New Mexico?

Yes, all notaries public in New Mexico must maintain a journal to keep a record of their notarial acts.

How much can a New Mexico notary public charge for performing notarial acts?

The state sets the fees a notary in New Mexico may charge for performing a notarial act. The maximum fee allowed is $5 per signature or notarization.

Can a notary charge a travel fee in NM?

Yes, a New Mexico Notary may charge for travel and the travel fees are not set by the state so you can charge whatever you want as long as the signer agrees to the fees in advance.

Can I perform remote online notarizations in New Mexico?

New Mexico Notaries with an active commission now have the opportunity to apply for remote online notarizations. To do so, you must furnish the Secretary of State with your desired RON provider’s name and successfully pass a course and its corresponding exam.

How do I become a loan signing agent in New Mexico?

Loan Signing Agents (LSAs) are notaries public who specialize in loan document signings. To become an LSA, you must first become a Notary Public in New Mexico and then obtain the necessary training to review, explain, and notarize loan documents accurately. It is also highly recommended that LSAs obtain errors and omissions insurance to protect themselves from potential legal costs should errors be made while conducting loan document signings. It is also helpful for LSAs to develop relationships with lenders, title companies, real estate agents, etc., to be able to secure loan document signings.