How to Become a Notary Public in New Hampshire

Checked against New Hampshire Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor and Executive Council) · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Not required
Training: Not required
Term: 5 years
State fee: $75
Bond: None stated
Commissioned by: New Hampshire Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor and Executive Council)

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Live in New Hampshire, OR live in Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont, work or do business in New Hampshire, and hold a notary commission in your home state.
Pass a criminal record check by the N.H. State Police (you sign an acknowledgement on the application).
Get endorsements from two New Hampshire notaries public and one registered New Hampshire voter.

Step by step

Print and fill out both sides of the Notary Public Application, including the criminal record check acknowledgement. Residents of a bordering state also fill out the Affidavit of Employment.
Have two notaries public and one registered New Hampshire voter endorse your application.
Mail the original application with the $75 fee (check to 'State of New Hampshire', or cash) to the Secretary of State's Office, Room 204, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301.
Wait 8 to 10 weeks while your record is checked and the Governor and Executive Council nominate and then appoint you.
Sign your oath of office in front of two justices of the peace, two notaries, or one of each.
Return the signed oath to the Secretary of State's Office.
Order your own seal or rubber stamp.

Official application →

No state exam here, but notaries are liable for mistakes. Check your notary knowledge with the free practice test →

What it costs in New Hampshire

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Application fee (Secretary of State)$75
Official seal or rubber stamp$
Separate expiration-date stamp (if your seal lacks the date)(optional)$

Estimated total in New Hampshire$75Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Official seal or rubber stamp (you must order your own)
Separate stamp with your commission expiration date if your seal lacks it
Journal (not required for in-person acts; required for electronic/remote acts)

Pay in New Hampshire

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in New Hampshire after taxes.

How long it takes

The Secretary of State says it takes 8 to 10 weeks to process an application, including the criminal record check and the Governor and Executive Council's nomination and appointment.

What other sites get wrong about New Hampshire

Myth: A New Hampshire notary commission lasts 4 years.

Fact: A New Hampshire notary commission lasts 5 years from the date the Governor and Executive Council confirm the appointment. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Follow the same process as a new application using the renewal form the Secretary of State mails about 12 weeks before expiration (renewal forms are not online).

Remote online notarization: Yes. Since February 6, 2022 notaries can perform electronic and remote notarizations after filing the RSA 456-B Electronic/Remote Notarization Users form with the Secretary of State, while physically in New Hampshire.

Good to know in New Hampshire

Renewal cost: Renewal follows the same process as a new application, including the $75 fee, using the form the Secretary of State mails about 12 weeks before expiration.

What you can charge: Up to $10 for each oath, witness, service or certification, and $25 per act for a remote notarization (RSA 455:11).

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with New Hampshire Secretary of State (appointment by the Governor and Executive Council) before you apply.