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How to become a notary public in New Hampshire

New Hampshire licenses notaries statewide through the New Hampshire Secretary of State (SOS).1 For the Notary Public license you need a criminal background check2. The board lists $75 for the application2. You renew every 5 years2.

Last checked · 2 official sources

Who issues it

New Hampshire Secretary of State (SOS)

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $752

Renewal

Every 5 years2

From another state

No reciprocity route2

On this page
  1. Who needs a Notary Public license
  2. Requirements for a Notary Public license
  3. How much a Notary Public license costs
  4. How to apply
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Moving to New Hampshire with a license from another state
  7. Laws and rules
  8. Common questions
  9. Notary public licenses in other states

Who needs a Notary Public license

Acknowledge documents, administer oaths and affirmations, take verifications on oath or affirmation, take depositions, certify copies, notarize signatures and note protests of negotiable instruments.2

Requirements for a Notary Public license

Minimum age
18 years old2
Background check
Background check required2
Residency or citizenship
New Hampshire resident, or a resident of Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont who is regularly employed or carries on a trade, business or practice in New Hampshire and is a registered notary in the home state.2
Also required
Application must be endorsed by two notaries public and one registered New Hampshire voter.2
Also required
After appointment, sign and take the oath of office before two justices of the peace, two notaries public, or one of each, and return the oath to the Secretary of State.2

How much a Notary Public license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$752SOSEach notary commission (new and renewal); $25 of it goes to the RSA 5:10-b fund

How to apply

  1. Print and complete both sides of the Notary Public Application (abutting-state residents use their version plus the Affidavit of Employment), or request one from the Secretary of State at (603) 271-3242 or [email protected].2
  2. Complete the Acknowledgement of Criminal Record Check on the back and have two notaries public and one registered New Hampshire voter endorse the application.2
  3. Mail the original application with the $75 fee (check to "State of New Hampshire" or cash) to the Secretary of State, Room 204, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301.2
  4. The Governor and Executive Council nominate and then appoint you at separate meetings (8-10 weeks in total).2
  5. Take and sign the oath before two justices of the peace, two notaries, or one of each, return the oath to the Secretary of State, and order your own seal or rubber stamp.2
Processing time
8-10 weeks after the Secretary of State receives the application2

Renewal and continuing education

How often
Every 5 years2
Renewal fee
$752 (Renewal follows the same process as the first application)

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your New Hampshire Notary Public license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to New Hampshire with a license from another state

These are the routes SOS publishes for the Notary Public license.

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity with other states is published. Residents of Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont who are registered notaries at home and regularly employed or doing business in New Hampshire may apply for a New Hampshire commission through the same application, plus an Affidavit of Employment (since August 4, 2019).2
Nonresident applicants from
Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont2
The board's words: “A resident of Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont;”
This list is about where you live, not a list of licenses or commissions New Hampshire accepts. Residents of these states may apply for a New Hampshire commission as nonresidents, on the conditions in the board's words.

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

Can I transfer my notary public license to New Hampshire?

No reciprocity with other states is published. Residents of Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont who are registered notaries at home and regularly employed or doing business in New Hampshire may apply for a New Hampshire commission through the same application, plus an Affidavit of Employment (since August 4, 2019).2 Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Notary Public license in New Hampshire?

Every 5 years2. The renewal fee is $752.

Notary public licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. RSA Chapter 455 Notaries Public and CommissionersNew Hampshire General CourtChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Notary Public | New Hampshire Secretary of StateNew Hampshire Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026