How to Become a Notary Public in New Mexico

Source: New Mexico Notary Public Handbook

1. Meet all qualifications to become a notary public in New Mexico, listed here.
2. New Mexico requires a notary stamp, notary journal, and bond. We highly recommend purchasing E&O insurance with your notary public bond.
3. Take the New Mexico notary public training course and pass the exam.
4. Complete your New Mexico notary public application.
   1. "Applications must be completed in black ink only and without back
      ground colors of any type. Also, applications which contain liquid
      paper or any signatures which have been traced or written over will
      not be accepted.
   2. Complete the application using the applicant’s last name and first or
      middle name, plus an initial or additional name, if desired, or last
      name and two initials. Do not include titles on the application, stamp
      or seal. Use only the applicant’s name. The applicant’s name must be
      identical to the name on the seal or stamp.
   3. Have two New Mexico residents sign the form attesting to the
      applicant’s good moral character.
   4. The applicant takes the oath before a Notary Public or other person
      authorized to administer oaths. The name and signature on the oath
      must be identical to the name and signature on the bond application
      and the name on the notarial seal or stamp. The Notary Public who
      notarizes the applicant’s oath must sign his name, affix his seal, and
      enter his complete expiration date."
5. The New Mexico Notary Public Handbook states: "Return the completed application, surety bond, power of attorney, and a check or money order in the amount of $20.00 payable to the Secretary of State, 325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503."
6. "If the application is accepted, the Governor will appoint the applicant as a Notary Public for  a term of four (4) years. The applicant cannot act as a Notary Public until he receives his certificate of appointment from this office."

Duties of a New Mexico Notary Public (14-12A-7)

1. "A Notary Public is empowered to perform the following notarial acts: 1. acknowledgments; 2. administer oaths and affirmations; 3. Jurats; 4. copy certifications; and 5. perform other duties as provided by law.
2. The law requires that a Notary Public notify the Secretary of State in writing within ten days after a name or address change. Name changes require a fee of $3.00 and are to be submitted on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.
3. A Notary Public has no authority to practice law. He may not prepare, complete or give advice concerning documents unless he is an attorney.
4. Although it is not required by law, it is recommended that the Notary Public keep a journal of his notarial acts containing at a minimum the date, type of document, and name(s) and signature(s) of the person(s) whose signature(s) were notarized by him.
5. A notary public shall not use the term “notario publico” or any equivalent non-English term in any business card, advertisement, notice or sign."