New Mexico Notary Bond

In New Mexico, notaries public must secure a $10,000 Notary Bond as part of the commissioning process. This bond acts as a financial safeguard, ensuring that notaries comply with state laws and carry out their duties with integrity and accuracy.

If a notary makes an error, acts negligently, or engages in misconduct that causes financial harm, an affected party can file a claim against the bond for compensation. However, any amount paid by the surety company must be reimbursed by the notary.

It’s important to understand that the bond protects the public, not the notary. To cover themselves against potential liability, many notaries opt for Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. The New Mexico Secretary of State regulates notarial practices and bond requirements to maintain professionalism and public trust in the industry.

In New Mexico, the cost of a $10,000 notary bond typically ranges from $35 to $55 (processing fees may be applied) for the entire four-year period, depending on the provider. This bond is a mandatory requirement for notaries public and must be obtained from a state-authorized surety company.

The bond acts as a financial guarantee to ensure notaries follow state laws and ethical guidelines in their official duties. It is valid for four years and must be submitted to the New Mexico Secretary of State to complete the licensing process.

In addition to the bond, notaries in New Mexico should plan for additional expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $30
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Approximately $20 (varies by vendor)
• Notary Journal: Costs range from $10 to $50 (recommended for record-keeping)
• State-Required Training Course: Typically $30–$50 (required for first-time applicants and renewals)
• Exam Fee (if applicable): $30 for new notaries

These costs help ensure New Mexico notaries meet state requirements and have the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively. For the most up-to-date information and official guidelines, visit the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website or consult the Notary Division.

Easily apply using one of these convenient methods:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Online Application – Complete a secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: New Mexico Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $10,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you'll receive an instant bond quote. Review the details for accuracy, and if any adjustments are needed, our team is ready to assist.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, complete your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the required documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready for submission with your notary application.

New Mexico notaries must renew their $10,000 surety bond every four years to maintain their commission. This bond acts as a financial safeguard, protecting the public from losses due to notarial errors or misconduct.

To renew, notaries need to obtain a new bond from a state-licensed provider and submit it along with the renewal application to the New Mexico Secretary of State. No additional training or exams are required for renewal if the notary's commission has not expired for more than one year. Notaries must also register their official stamp within 45 days of approval, or they may be referred to the State Ethics Commission.

To be commissioned as a Notary Public in New Mexico, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a resident or employed in New Mexico.
• Be able to read and write English.
• Complete a Notary Education course and pass the exam.
• Not have had a notary commission denied, suspended, or revoked in another state.
• Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit within the last five years.
• Not be disqualified under Section 22 of the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.

Additional qualifications apply for Automatic Notarial Officers, including judges, court clerks, and staff members of the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office. They must complete the online education course, pass the exam, and register their official stamp.

As part of the application process, each applicant is required to obtain a $10,000 surety bond, which must be notarized. The application is completed online via the New Mexico Secretary of State's website, where applicants must upload a Certificate of Completion, a notarized Oath of Office, and a notarized surety bond. The application fee is $30 and can be paid via e-check or credit card.

Paper applications are available upon request.

To become a Remote Online Notary (RON) in New Mexico, you must first be a commissioned New Mexico Notary Public or an Automatic Notarial Officer. Additionally, you need to complete the Remote Online Notary Education course and pass the exam.

Once you've met the eligibility requirements, you can submit your application online at https://enterprise.sos.nm.gov. The application should include the Remote Online Notary Application form, a certificate proving successful completion of the education course, and the $75 filing fee. The fee can be paid via e-check, credit card, check, money order, or electronic transfer to the New Mexico Secretary of State (NMSOS).

Along with your application, you'll need to upload a PDF of your electronic stamp, which will be used for remote notarizations. After your application is approved, you will have 45 days to purchase and provide proof of your official notary stamp by filing a Notary Public Stamp Registration. Failure to file this registration within the 45-day period will result in the Secretary of State referring the notary to the State Ethics Commission.

By completing these steps, you can become a certified Remote Online Notary in New Mexico.