How to become a notary in New Mexico
Notaries in New Mexico are commissioned by the New Mexico Secretary of State. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in New Mexico?
- At least 18 years old
- New Mexico resident or has a place of employment in New Mexico
- Can read and write English
- No notary commission denied, suspended or revoked in another state
- No felony or crime of fraud, dishonesty or deceit in the last five years
What are the New Mexico notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | New Mexico Secretary of State |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. First-time applicants must complete the New Mexico Notary Education course; the course and exam cost $30, paid to the vendor. |
| Exam required | Yes. Exam is taken with the required online education course. |
| Surety bond | $10,000 |
| Application fee | $30 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes; a commissioned New Mexico notary may perform remote online notarizations after Secretary of State approval as a Remote Online Notary, and only while physically in New Mexico. |
Steps to become a notary in New Mexico
- Buy a $10,000 surety bond and have your signature on it notarized by another New Mexico notary
- Complete the online education course and pass the exam
- Sign the oath of office in front of another New Mexico notarial officer
- File the application online, uploading the course certificate, notarized oath and notarized bond as PDFs
- Pay the $30 filing fee by e-check or credit card
- Register your official stamp with the Secretary of State within 45 days of approval
Apply on the official New Mexico site
How do you find a notary in New Mexico?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official New Mexico notary lookup.