Quick Facts
Commission Term
5 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$75 (payable to 'State of New Hampshire')
Issuing Authority
Governor with advice and consent of Executive Council
Journal
Conditional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes New Hampshire distinctive
- New Hampshire does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- New Hampshire's 5-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
- New Hampshire does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
New Hampshire does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state - Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RSA 456-B)
- 5-year commission term (longer than many states' 4-year terms)
- No bond required (unique - E&O insurance optional)
- No exam or educational requirements (uncommon)
- Appointed by Governor with Executive Council advice/consent
Regulatory Authority
New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
RSA 456-B:2
Primary Notary Statute
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, affidavit, copy certification, electronic copy certification, jurat, oath/affirmation, protest, and witnessing in New Hampshire.
RSA 456-B:3
Electronic Notarization Provisions
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, electronic notarization (IPEN), and jurat in New Hampshire.
RSA 456-B Electronic/Remote Notarization
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Statutory authority for electronic notarization (IPEN), and remote online notarization in New Hampshire.
RSA 456-B:6-a
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Provisions
Statutory authority for electronic copy certification, and remote online notarization in New Hampshire.
RSA 455:11
Deposition Court Rules
Statutory authority for deposition in New Hampshire.
RSA 455:4
Notice of Protest
Statutory authority for protest in New Hampshire.
RSA 457:31
Marriage Solemnization
Statutory authority for marriage solemnization in New Hampshire.
RSA 457:35
Marriage Solemnization
Statutory authority for marriage solemnization in New Hampshire.
RSA 517:19
Deposition Court Rules
Statutory authority for deposition in New Hampshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in New Hampshire?
A New Hampshire notary public commission is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire charges $75 (payable to 'State of New Hampshire') as the application fee to the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does New Hampshire require a notary bond?
No. New Hampshire does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in New Hampshire?
Journal requirements in New Hampshire are: Conditional. Consult the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can New Hampshire notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. New Hampshire does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can New Hampshire notaries use?
New Hampshire notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does New Hampshire cap notary fees?
Yes. New Hampshire sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Contact state authority for fee information.
Who regulates notaries in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire notaries are commissioned and regulated by the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does New Hampshire authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. New Hampshire authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can New Hampshire notaries perform?
New Hampshire notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in New Hampshire?
Start your application through the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Related Articles
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
Authoritative reference for acknowledgment certificate language across all 50 states, including short-form versus long-form requirements.
How to Become a Notary Public
Step-by-step path from application to commission, including bond and surety insurance decisions and ongoing compliance obligations.
Get the Full New Hampshire Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.