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  CERTIFICATES of
     Notarial Acts
   
• Witnessing a Signature
• Copy Certifications
• Jurats
• Acknowledgements

• Every person applying to become a notary public must be a resident of New Hampshire.

• You must be at least 18 years of age.

• The applicant must sign a written statement under oath as to whether he/she has ever been convicted of a crime that has not been annulled by a court, other than minor traffic violations.

• 2 notaries public and one registered voter of New Hampshire must endorse the application for appointment.

• The applicant must complete a State Police Records Check Form.

• The fee is $75. for a 5-year commission.

• The application is obtained from the Secretary of State's Office. You may request an application the following ways:  Call 271-3242 OR mail your request in writing to: Secretary of State's Office, State House, Room 204, Concord, N.H. 03301 OR email your request to: elections@sos.state.nh.us   OR download the NEW application AND criminal release form. DO NOT use this form as a renewal. See below for renewal information.

• Complete the application and the State Police Records Check Form and return them both to the Secretary of State's Office with the  fee.

• Your application will be treated as follows:

• The State Police Records Check Form will be submitted to the Department of Safety;

• Your application will be submitted to the Governor and Executive Council for nomination;

• Your application will be submitted to the Governor and Executive Council for appointment.

• This process will take 8-10 weeks.

• Your commission as a notary public will be for 5 years from the date the Governor and Council confirm your appointment. The date of appointment will be indicated on your commission.

• Within a week after appointment by the Governor and Executive Council you will receive your commission, oath, index card, and other information from the Secretary of States' office.

• You must:

• Sign and take your oath of office in the presence of two notaries public OR two justices of the peace OR one notary public and one justice of the peace. Those who sign your oath should also sign your commission.

• Return the oath to the secretary of state's office as soon as possible. Unless we have your oath on file, we cannot certify that you are qualified as a notary.

• Keep the commission for your records.

• Sign the index card as required and mail to the Superior Court of the county in which you reside.

NOTARY SEAL

All acknowledgements made by you as a notary public shall be either under an official seal or an official rubber stamp.

• The official seal shall have the following information printed on it.

• Name of the Notary
• The words "Notary Public"
• The words "New Hampshire"
• A separate rubber stamp should carry the expiration date of the notary public's commission.

• The official rubber stamp shall have the following information printed on it:

• Name of the Notary
• The words "Notary Public"
• The words "New Hampshire"
• The expiration date of the notary public's commission

AUTHORIZED NOTARIAL ACTS (RSA 456-B)

• Acknowledgements
• Oaths and affirmations
• Jurats
• Depositions
• Copy certifications
• Witnessing or attesting signatures
• Protests

• A fee of no more than $10.00 can be collected for each oath, witness, service or certification, except that:

• For depositions, a fee of $5.00 but not more than $50.00 may be collected. The fee is based upon the amount that the notary feels is sufficient payment for his services. The notary is also entitled to .20/mile when traveling to swear in witnesses.

• No fees are allowed for administering and certifying oaths of office of town officers.

• The renewal process is the same as the process you completed for your initial commission.

• A renewal application will be mailed to you approximately 3 months prior to the date your current commission is due to expire. Renewal applications ARE NOT available on-line.

• If you move during the 5 years of your commission, and do not notify the secretary of state's office, your renewal form will not reach you.

• Although the law does not require notaries to keep a journal of their notarial acts, it is recommended by the National Notary Association that you do so.

• Location: State House, Room 204, Concord, N.H. 03301
  Phone: 603-271-3242    Fax: 603-271-6316
  Email: Elections@sos.state.nh.us