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How To Become a Notary Public
or Loan Signing Agent in
Las Cruces, New Mexico
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Step by Step Instructions for all Notaries in
Las Cruces, New Mexico
How to Become a Notary Public in New Mexico
If you want to become a New Mexico Notary Public, complete the following steps:
Make sure you meet all qualifications under New Mexico state law (see below).
Buy your seal, journal and $10,000 state-required bond.
Take the training course and pass the exam.
Submit an online application in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal, where you will provide your signed and notarized surety bond, certificate of course and exam completion, signed and notarized oath of office form, and $30 application fee.
Within 45 days of your application approval, register your official stamp by submitting a PDF of your official stamp in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal.
Get E&O insurance (optional, but strongly recommended).
If you are seeking to become a Notary Loan Signing Agent in New Mexico it is strongly advised that you take additional training beyond the National Notary Association.
The National Notary Association helps to prepare Notaries on a very basic level. However, companies like Notary2Pro, NotaryStars, and NotaryAcademy are all very well poised to help Notary Loan Signing Agents learn the meaning of Loan Documents, How to Present Loan Documents, What You as a Notary Can Say About Loan Documents, and How to Execute Loan Documents. Ideally, the highest paid Loan Signing Agents will have taken all three of these courses and more.
Companies like Notary Stars can also help point you in the direction of additional reputable trainers within the industry who can also show you how to perform additional services like Permit Running, Apostille, Document Translations, Estate Planning, and more! These are additional sources of revenue that the National Notary Association does not cover.
More Details About the New Mexico Notary Process
Here, we cover the cost and length of an NM Notary Public commission.
How much does it cost?
A $30 application fee applies. The non-refundable fee can be paid online via e-check, credit card, or debit card. The cost of the stamp, journal, bond and other supplies will vary based upon the vendor chosen.
How long does it take to become a Notary?
Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, it can take two to 10 weeks for the state to issue the commission.
How long does a New Mexico Notary commission last?
The New Mexico Notary commission is valid for four years, after which it has to be renewed to continue as a Notary.
Requirements to be a Notary in New Mexico
Who can become a Notary?
To qualify to become a Notary in New Mexico, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of New Mexico or have a place of employment in the state
Be able to read and write English
Successfully complete the required course and exam
Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit in the last five years
Not had a Notary Public commission denied, suspended, or revoked in another state
Not be disqualified to receive a commission under Section 22 of the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts [14-14A-22 NMSA 1978]
A judicial officer, the Secretary of State or a full-time staff member of the Secretary of State’s office, county clerk or deputy county clerk who is not licensed to practice law may also be commissioned as a Notary to perform notarial acts outside the individual’s scope of duties as an automatic notarial officer.
New Mexico created a new umbrella term -- notarial officer -- to use when referring to Notaries Public and automatic notarial officers. Automatic notarial officers include judicial officers, county clerks or deputy county clerks while acting within the scope of their job duties, the Secretary of State or full-time member of their staff, and attorneys licensed by the New Mexico bar.
Is training or an exam required to become a Notary?
Applicants for a Notary commission are required to take a course and pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. The National Notary Association provides the state approved training course and exam.
What kind of supplies will I need?
You'll need an official stamp and journal. Stamps must either be rectangular or circular in shape and have the following information:
Your legal name as listed on your Certificate of Commission
Your commission number
Your commission expiration date
The New Mexico state seal
The words “State of New Mexico” and “Notary Public”
You will need to purchase your stamp or embosser before applying to become a Notary or renew your commission. Applicants must provide proof of their official stamp within 45 days after the Certificate of Commission is issued.
When shopping for seals, quality and durability can vary greatly among vendors. Ask if the seals carry a lifetime guarantee. In particular, stamps should not bleed during or after use, as this can cause county officials to reject documents due to smudging. If you choose to purchase an embosser, you will also need to purchase an embosser inker to satisfy the requirement that the impression is able to be photocopied. A second seal can help you avoid downtime if your seal is ever misplaced.
The journal can be a permanent, bound register with numbered pages or a tamper-evident electronic format.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
A $10,000 surety bond is required before you apply to become a Notary Public in New Mexico. A bond protects the public financially from the possibility of a negligent mistake or intentional misconduct by the Notary. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional. This insurance helps protect the Notary. If you make an unintentional mistake, or a false claim is filed against you, an E&O policy will cover your legal fees and awarded damages up to the coverage you select.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Secretary of State, located in Santa Fe, NM, is responsible for commissioning Notaries Public in New Mexico.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A New Mexico Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization, such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity. You cannot notarize your own signature or perform a notarization if you have a conflict of interest. The state recommends that you avoid notarizing for family members as your impartiality may be questioned.
What fees can New Mexico Notaries charge per notarization?
New Mexico allows Notaries to charge no more than $5 per notarial act. An additional fee for travel can be charged as long as the signer agrees to it in advance and understands the travel fee is separate from the notarial fee.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
You must inform the Secretary of State of any name or address changes within 30 days of the change. If you move, you must inform the bond surety in writing and update your address by filing an amendment to your commission the Secretary of State’s online filing portal. No fee applies.
Name change amendments must be filed in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal. You must provide a rider from the company that issued your surety bond with the new name as well as an impression of the seal with your new name. A $3 fee applies.
What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?
If you need to renew your commission and it has been expired for more than one year, you will need to purchase a new $10,000 surety bond, take the required training course, pass the exam and submit a new application. If it has not been more than one year since your commission expired, all you will need to do is purchase a new $10,000 surety bond and submit an application. Within 45 days of your application approval, you will also need to provide proof of your stamp by sending in the Stamp Registration Form.
The New Mexico Secretary of State will send a postcard reminder approximately 30 days before the commission expiration.
How do I become an electronic Notary in New Mexico?
Electronic notarizations are allowed in New Mexico and involve digital documents and electronic signatures during an in-person meeting. New Mexico law requires a Notary to notify the Secretary of State that the Notary will be notarizing electronic documents and identify the electronic notarization technology the Notary intends to use.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in New Mexico?
New Mexico Notaries with an active commission may apply to perform remote online notarizations. To apply, you'll need to provide the Secretary of State with the name of your chosen RON provider, take a course and pass the exam. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you become a remote Notary in New Mexico.
If you're not quite ready yet, we have additional resources where you can learn what a Notary is, what they do and why you should become a commissioned Notary.
Learn More About Notary Stars For Notaries and Signing Agents in:
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Meet Our Notary & Loan Signing Agent Instructors
Kirsten Bly,
New Notary Liason
Beth Hathoot,
Lead Signing Agent Instructor
Ronnie Mickle,
Founder & Owner
Manuel Puga,
Bilingual Notary Instructor
Amy Seitz,
Lead RON Instructor
Common Misconceptions About Becoming a Notary Signing Agent In:
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Myth 1: All Notaries Earn Over Six Figures
A widespread belief suggests that notaries consistently earn six-figure incomes. While it's true that some notaries achieve substantial earnings, this is not the norm for everyone. Such claims are often exaggerated to promote notary courses. In reality, income varies based on factors like location, experience, and the effort invested in building the business. It's crucial to approach such claims with caution and conduct thorough research before committing to any training program. Check out this Article from the NNA.
Myth 2: Being a Notary is Easy
The notion that being a notary is a simple task is misleading. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of legal documents, and strict adherence to state laws and regulations. Notaries must ensure the authenticity of signatures, prevent fraud, and maintain accurate records. This level of responsibility requires comprehensive training and a commitment to ongoing education. While the work is fulfilling, it is far from effortless.
Myth 3: Marketing as a Notary Signing Agent is Unnecessary
Some believe that merely obtaining a notary commission will lead to a steady stream of clients. However, like any business, building a successful notary practice requires proactive marketing. Relying solely on a notary commission without marketing efforts is unlikely to attract clients. Organizations like Notary Stars specialize in providing training and resources to help notaries effectively market their services, navigate industry challenges, and establish a thriving business.
Myth 4: Notaries Can Provide Legal Advice
A common misconception is that notaries can offer legal advice or assist in drafting documents. In reality, notaries are prohibited from providing legal counsel unless they are also licensed attorneys. Their primary role is to witness signatures and verify the identity of signers, ensuring that documents are signed willingly and knowingly. Offering legal advice without proper qualifications can lead to legal repercussions and undermine the notary's credibility.
Myth 5: Notarization Guarantees the Legality of a Document
Many assume that a notarized document is automatically legal and enforceable. However, notarization only confirms the authenticity of signatures and the voluntary nature of the signing. It does not validate the content or legality of the document itself. Ensuring a document's legality requires proper drafting and, in many cases, legal review by a qualified attorney.
Myth 6: Notaries Must Notarize Every Document Presented to Them
It's a common belief that notaries are obligated to notarize any document upon request. However, notaries have the authority to refuse notarization under certain circumstances, such as:
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Inability to verify the signer's identity
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Suspected coercion or unwillingness of the signer
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Incomplete or altered documents
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Requests for unauthorized acts, like certifying copies of official records
Notaries must adhere to their state's laws and exercise judgment to maintain the integrity of the notarization process.