Notaries who are currently commissioned in New Mexico are eligible to perform remote notarizations. Follow the steps below to learn how you can become an NM Remote Online Notary:
- Get your Notary Public commission.
- Contract with a RON provider.
- Take the required training course and pass an exam.
- File an amendment, submit your course certificate and $75 filing fee online.
- Register your official electronic stamp online.
New Mexico Remote Notary Requirements
Notary Public Commission
Before applying to perform remote notarizations, you must hold a traditional Notary Public commission.
Applicants must meet qualifications, take the training course and pass the exam, buy their Notary supplies and surety bond, and submit a completed application.
RON Training & Exam
Both a training course and exam are required to apply for RON authorization. The National Notary Association provides the state-approved RON training course and exam. Applicants must provide proof of passing the required examination with a score of 80% or higher.
Remote Notary Tools & Technology
To perform remote online notarizations in New Mexico, you will need the following:
- Computer
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Internet
- Electronic stamp*
- Electronic journal*
- Digital certificate containing your electronic signature*
You'll need to contract with a RON technology provider that meets state requirements. A list of approved RON technology providers is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
*These items must be compliant with your chosen RON provider.
Application
File an amendment to your existing Notary Public commission in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal and submit your course certificate and $75 filing fee.
Within 45 days of your application approval, register your official electronic stamp by submitting a PDF of your stamp in the Secretary of State’s online filing portal.
Surety Bond
A separate surety bond for remote notarizations is not required. However, you should check with your bond provider to confirm your current policy for your traditional commission covers remote notarizations.
E&O Insurance
An E&O policy is not required for New Mexico Notaries but is strongly recommended. Unlike a surety bond that protects signers, an E&O insurance policy protects you from costly legal fees that may arise from unintentional mistakes.
Cost of Becoming a Remote Online Notary in New Mexico
Becoming a remote Notary in New Mexico can cost between $100 to $200, depending on the vendors you choose to work with plus other factors.
For example, you'll need to pay any initial fees to sign up with a RON technology provider along with the cost of buying your digital Notary supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate.
Maintaining your surety bond and recommended E&O policy will also factor into your startup costs. Additional expenses may include a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access if you don't already have those items.
About Remote Online Notarization in New Mexico
Senate Bill 12 took effect on January 1, 2022, allowing Notaries to provide remote online notarization services. Signers may be located within or outside of New Mexico, but Notaries themselves must be physically located in the state at the time of the notarial act.
Notaries in New Mexico may perform the following acts remotely:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Administering an oath or affirmation
- Performing a jurat
- Certifying or attesting a copy
New Mexico RON FAQs
How much can New Mexico remote Notaries charge per notarial act?
New Mexico sets $25 as the maximum fee Notaries can charge per remote notarization.
How long does it take to become a remote Notary?
It can take between 10 to 12 weeks to become a New Mexico Remote Notary. The process is relatively quick once your commission is active.
You'll spend one day choosing and getting set up with a RON provider. Then, you will spend one or two days taking the required training and exam. On the same or the next day, you will need to notify the Secretary of State of your intent to perform online notarizations and provide them the name of your RON vendor. Allow the Secretary of State some time to respond to your request.
How long will my remote Notary authorization last?
You're authorized to perform remote online notarizations for as long as your Notary Public commission is active. Once your commission term ends, you'll need to renew it and reapply to perform RONs.
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Last updated: Apr 30, 2024