Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$10,000
Application Fee
$30
Issuing Authority
New Mexico Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes New Mexico distinctive
- New Mexico permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
New Mexico authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state - adopted effective January 1, 2022 (Senate Bill 12 signed April 5, 2021)
- 4-year commission term
- $10,000 surety bond REQUIRED from authorized insurer (bond must be notarized by another NM notary)
- Education course + 50-question exam REQUIRED for first-time applicants (80% passing score)
- Renewal exemption: If expired <1 year AND original commission issued after Jan 1, 2022, generally no retake
Regulatory Authority
New Mexico Secretary of State - Notary Bureau
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
NMSA 1978, Sections 14-14A-1 to 14-14A-32
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts
Primary statutory authority. RULONA adopted: Yes. Effective: Senate Bill 12 signed April 5, 2021; effective January 1, 2022
NMSA 14-14A
NMSA 14-14A
Referenced in state compliance data
New Mexico marriage laws
New Mexico marriage laws
Referenced in state compliance data
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in New Mexico?
A New Mexico notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the New Mexico Secretary of State - Notary Bureau before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in New Mexico?
New Mexico charges $30 as the application fee to the New Mexico Secretary of State - Notary Bureau. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does New Mexico require a notary bond?
Yes. New Mexico requires a notary surety bond of $10,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in New Mexico?
New Mexico does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico 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 Mexico Secretary of State - Notary Bureau.
Can New Mexico notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. New Mexico authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can New Mexico notaries use?
New Mexico 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 Mexico cap notary fees?
Yes. New Mexico sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum $5.00 per acknowledgment, jurat, or oath for traditional notarial acts. RON allows up to $25.00 technology surcharge per act (plus the $5 notarial fee).
Who regulates notaries in New Mexico?
New Mexico notaries are commissioned and regulated by the New Mexico Secretary of State - Notary Bureau. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does New Mexico authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. New Mexico 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 Mexico notaries perform?
New Mexico notaries are authorized to perform 9 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 Mexico?
Start your application through the New Mexico Secretary of State - Notary Bureau.
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