How to Become a Notary in New Mexico (2026 Guide)

Published March 8, 2023 · Updated May 26, 2026

Key Takeaways

Training course and exam both required
$10,000 surety bond required
Application fee: $30 | Commission term: 4 years
Notary stamp and journal both required
Maximum fee: $5 per notarization
Must present stamp within 45 days of commission
Must be 18+, a NM resident, with no disqualifying convictions

Training course and exam both required. Here’s how the process works.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of New Mexico
Have no disqualifying criminal convictions
Complete a notary education course and pass the exam

Disqualifying Factors

Certain criminal convictions and disciplinary action by the New Mexico state licensing board can disqualify you.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete Training and Pass the Exam

Take a state-approved notary education course and pass the exam. You pay the course provider directly.

Step 2: Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond

Obtain a $10,000 surety bond from a bonding company. Keep the power of attorney from the bonding company.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Mail your application, bond, power of attorney, course certificate, exam certificate, and $30 fee to the New Mexico Secretary of State.

Step 4: Present Your Stamp Within 45 Days

After approval, you must present evidence of your official stamp to the Secretary of State within 45 days.

Costs to Get Commissioned

Item	Cost
Application fee	$30
Training course	Varies by provider
$10,000 surety bond premium	~$40
Notary stamp (required)	$15-$25
Notary journal (required)	$10-$50
Total	$95-$145 + course

Maximum Allowable Fees

New Mexico sets a maximum of $5 per notarization. Travel fees may be charged if agreed upon in advance.

Authorized Notarial Acts

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Execute jurats
Certify copies
Protest negotiable instruments

Notary Stamp Requirements

New Mexico requires a notary stamp. You must present evidence of your stamp within 45 days of receiving your commission.

Notarizing for Family Members

NM does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Criminal convictions and disciplinary actions can disqualify you. The Secretary of State can revoke commissions for misconduct.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not required, but recommended to protect against claims arising from mistakes during official duties.

Renewal

4 years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application: retake the course and exam.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

New Mexico has authorized RON. Check with the Secretary of State for current technology provider requirements and registration.

Becoming a Signing Agent

After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program and register with signing service companies.

NM’s $10,000 bond is in the middle range: neighboring Arizona requires a bond and exam, Colorado requires an exam but no bond, and Texas requires no bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in New Mexico?

Yes. You must complete a training course and pass the exam.

Do I need a surety bond in New Mexico?

Yes. NM requires a $10,000 surety bond.

How long does a NM notary commission last?

4 years. You must retake training and the exam to renew.

Is a notary stamp required in New Mexico?

Yes. You must present evidence of your stamp within 45 days of commission.

How much can a NM notary charge?

$5 per notarization. Travel fees allowed if agreed upon in advance.

Is a notary journal required in New Mexico?

Yes. All NM notaries must maintain a journal of notarial acts.

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 Mexico Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	New Mexico	Arizona	Colorado	Texas
Bond	$10,000	$5,000	None	$10,000
Exam	Yes (80%)	Yes ($46.75)	Yes	No
Training	Yes	Yes	Yes (free)	Yes (SOS)
Term	4 years	4 years	4 years	4 years
RON	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado all require training and an exam. Arizona and Colorado require no bond, while New Mexico and Texas require $10,000. Colorado’s free SOS training gives it a cost advantage.