New Hampshire Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Where is the NH notary's oath of office filed?

With the County Clerk
With the Governor's office
With the State Supreme Court
With the Secretary of State (Correct answer)

Correct answer: With the Secretary of State

The notary's oath of office must be filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State's office.

Question 2: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in New Hampshire?

25 years old
21 years old (Correct answer)
30 years old
18 years old

Correct answer: 21 years old

New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 455:1 specifies that a person must be at least 21 years of age to be eligible for appointment as a notary public. This age requirement ensures that notaries are adults deemed mature enough to handle the responsibilities and legal implications of the office. It is a foundational eligibility criterion for commission.

Question 3: A New Hampshire notary's stamp impression on a document must be:

Written in permanent marker
Embossed (raised) and ink-free
In red ink only
Legible and capable of being photocopied (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Legible and capable of being photocopied

NH law requires that a notary's stamp impression be legible and reproducible in copies, ensuring the notarization can be verified in photocopied or scanned documents.

Question 4: What should a New Hampshire notary public do if a signer refuses to pay the notarial fee?

Perform the notarization for free
Lower the fee to accommodate the signer
Refuse to perform the notarization (Correct answer)
Complete the notarization and seek payment later

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarization

If a signer refuses to pay the fee, the notary is not obligated to proceed with the notarization.

Question 5: How many credible witnesses may be required when using the credible witness method in NH?

Three witnesses are required
Always two credible witnesses
Always one
One if the witness is personally known to the notary; two if neither is personally known to the notary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: One if the witness is personally known to the notary; two if neither is personally known to the notary

If one credible witness is personally known to the notary, one witness may suffice; some jurisdictions require two if the notary does not know the witness.

Question 6: What must a New Hampshire notary public do before performing their duties?

Take an oath of office (Correct answer)
Post a public notice of their commission
Obtain a bond
Complete a notary training course

Correct answer: Take an oath of office

Before exercising the powers of a notary public, a New Hampshire appointee must take an oath of office, as required by RSA 455:2. This oath signifies their commitment to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of their office. It is a mandatory step to legally assume the responsibilities of a notary.

Question 7: Can a NH notary notarize a document signed by a person who is known to the notary only by reputation but not personally?

Yes, community reputation is sufficient personal knowledge
Yes, if two neighbors confirm the reputation
No, personal knowledge requires direct personal acquaintance, not reputation alone (Correct answer)
Only for documents under $500 in value

Correct answer: No, personal knowledge requires direct personal acquaintance, not reputation alone

Personal knowledge means direct personal acquaintance with the individual, not merely knowledge of their reputation in the community.

Question 8: A NH notary changes their county of residence within New Hampshire. Must they notify the Secretary of State?

Only at the time of their next commission renewal
No, county of residence has no bearing on a NH notary commission
Only if they also change their name
Yes, they should update their address information with the Secretary of State (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, they should update their address information with the Secretary of State

Notaries should keep their contact information current with the Secretary of State, including changes of address within the state.

Question 9: For a NH acknowledgment, must the document be signed in the notary's presence?

Only if the signer is using a credible witness
Only for real estate deeds
Yes, always
No, the signer may have signed beforehand but must personally acknowledge the signature (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, the signer may have signed beforehand but must personally acknowledge the signature

For an acknowledgment, the signature may have been made prior, but the signer must personally appear and acknowledge it before the notary.

Question 10: Is a New Hampshire notary public allowed to charge a fee for travel expenses related to a notarization?

Yes, but only up to $10.00
Yes, if the travel fee is agreed upon in advance (Correct answer)
Yes, but only if the travel exceeds 10 miles
No, travel fees are not permitted

Correct answer: Yes, if the travel fee is agreed upon in advance

A notary can charge for travel expenses if the fee is agreed upon with the client beforehand.

Question 11: If a signer's photo ID is expired, should a NH notary accept it for identification?

Generally no, ID should be current and not expired (Correct answer)
Yes, expired ID is always acceptable
Only if the signer signs an affidavit
Yes, if it expired within the last 5 years

Correct answer: Generally no, ID should be current and not expired

Expired identification is generally not acceptable because it cannot be reliably confirmed as valid, though notaries may use judgment for recently expired IDs.

Question 12: What is a signature by mark in the context of NH notarizations?

A digital signature
A notary's stamp
A physical mark (such as an X) made by a signer unable to write their name (Correct answer)
An attorney's certification

Correct answer: A physical mark (such as an X) made by a signer unable to write their name

A signature by mark occurs when a signer who cannot write uses a mark (often an X) witnessed by the notary and typically two witnesses.

Question 13: Can a New Hampshire notary charge a signer for copies of journal entries?

Yes, a reasonable fee may be charged (Correct answer)
Only for real estate-related entries
Only if the signer is an attorney
No, copies must always be free

Correct answer: Yes, a reasonable fee may be charged

A notary may charge a reasonable fee for providing copies of journal entries to cover the cost of reproduction.

Question 14: Before a NH notary's commission expires, they wish to continue as a notary. When should they submit their renewal application?

At least 2 years before expiration
Within 30 days after expiration under the grace period
On the exact day of expiration
Before the current commission expires to avoid a lapse in authority (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Before the current commission expires to avoid a lapse in authority

To maintain uninterrupted notarial authority, a notary should apply for renewal before the current commission expires, as there is no grace period.

Question 15: Under NH law, may a notary public refuse to notarize a document solely because they do not recognize the foreign language in which it is written?

No, because the notary does not attest to document content
Yes, if the notary cannot identify the document type or confirm the signer understands it (Correct answer)
No, the notary must notarize any document presented
Only if the document involves real estate

Correct answer: Yes, if the notary cannot identify the document type or confirm the signer understands it

A notary may refuse if they cannot determine what type of notarial act is appropriate or if they have concerns about whether the signer understands the document they are signing.

Question 16: Which of the following pieces of information is REQUIRED to appear on a New Hampshire notary stamp?

The notary's Social Security number
The notary's telephone number
The notary's personal address
The notary's commission expiration date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary's commission expiration date

A New Hampshire notary stamp must include the notary's commission expiration date so parties can verify the notary was authorized at the time of the act.

Question 17: How much can a New Hampshire notary public charge for acknowledging a signature on a document?

$2.00
$5.00 (Correct answer)
$20.00
$10.00

Correct answer: $5.00

The maximum fee for acknowledging a signature is $5.00.

Question 18: If a NH notary cannot satisfactorily identify a signer, what is the correct course of action?

Proceed with the notarization and note the uncertainty in the journal
Accept the signer's verbal assurance of identity
Refuse to perform the notarial act (Correct answer)
Ask a colleague to notarize the document instead

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarial act

A notary who cannot adequately identify the signer must refuse to perform the notarial act.

Question 19: A NH notary is asked to notarize a document for someone who presents only a library card as ID. What should the notary do?

Accept the library card as sufficient ID
Refuse unless the notary personally knows the person or a credible witness is available (Correct answer)
Ask the person to sign twice to confirm identity
Accept if the library card has a photo

Correct answer: Refuse unless the notary personally knows the person or a credible witness is available

A library card is not a government-issued photo ID and does not constitute satisfactory evidence; the notary must use personal knowledge or a credible witness instead.

Question 20: How long must a New Hampshire notary public retain records of notarizations performed?

5 years
1 year
10 years
There is no record retention requirement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: There is no record retention requirement

Unlike many other states, New Hampshire law does not currently mandate that notaries public maintain a journal or retain records of their notarial acts. While keeping a journal is still considered a best practice for personal protection and to demonstrate due diligence, it is not a legal requirement in New Hampshire. Notaries are not legally compelled to keep a log of their notarizations.

Question 21: Under New Hampshire law, what must a notary public use to authenticate a notarial act?

A handwritten signature only
A verbal declaration only
An official stamp or seal (Correct answer)
A letterhead with the notary's name

Correct answer: An official stamp or seal

NH RSA 455-A requires a notary public to use an official stamp or seal when performing a notarial act to authenticate the notarization.

Question 22: Which of the following is NOT a permitted use of NH remote online notarization?

Acknowledgments on contracts
Jurats on affidavits
Wills that require witnesses to be physically present under NH law (Correct answer)
Certification of copies

Correct answer: Wills that require witnesses to be physically present under NH law

NH wills traditionally require witnesses physically present; certain document types may be excluded from RON depending on applicable statutes.

Question 23: How long is the term for a notary public commission in New Hampshire?

4 years
2 years
3 years
5 years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 years

In New Hampshire, the term of a notary public commission is five years. This period is established by RSA 455:1, after which the notary must reapply and be reappointed to continue performing notarial acts. This fixed term ensures regular review and renewal of notary qualifications.

Question 24: Which of the following is required for a New Hampshire notary public to notarize a document?

The document must be written in English
The notary must receive a minimum fee
The notary must personally know the signer
The signer must be identified by satisfactory evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The signer must be identified by satisfactory evidence

A core duty of a New Hampshire notary is to verify the identity of the signer. RSA 455:11 requires the notary to identify the individual appearing before them by satisfactory evidence. This can include personal knowledge or reliable identification documents, and it is crucial to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the notarial act.

Question 25: Before notarizing a document, what must a New Hampshire notary public ensure about the signer?

That the signer appears voluntarily and signs the document in the notary’s presence (Correct answer)
That the signer has a valid driver's license
That the signer is a U.S. citizen
That the signer fully understands the document's contents

Correct answer: That the signer appears voluntarily and signs the document in the notary’s presence

A critical requirement for a New Hampshire notary is to ensure the signer personally appears before them and signs the document (or acknowledges their signature) in the notary's presence. This direct interaction allows the notary to verify identity, assess willingness, and witness the act. This personal appearance is essential for the validity and integrity of the notarization.

Question 26: 1. Which of the following duties is a New Hampshire notary public authorized to perform?

Certifying a copy of a vital record (e.g., birth certificate)
Administering oaths and affirmations (Correct answer)
Drafting legal documents
Performing a marriage ceremony

Correct answer: Administering oaths and affirmations

New Hampshire notaries public are explicitly authorized by RSA 455:11 to administer oaths and affirmations. This is a fundamental notarial act, allowing them to attest to the truthfulness of statements made by individuals. Certifying vital records, performing marriages, and drafting legal documents are generally outside their scope of authority.

Question 27: How does a NH notary renew their commission at the end of the 5-year term?

Commissions renew automatically if no misconduct has occurred
By filing a renewal form with their county clerk
By submitting a new application to the Secretary of State before the current commission expires (Correct answer)
By taking a renewal examination

Correct answer: By submitting a new application to the Secretary of State before the current commission expires

NH notaries must submit a new application to the Secretary of State's office to renew; commissions do not renew automatically.

Question 28: To perform remote online notarizations in New Hampshire, a notary must first:

Pass a separate RON examination
Simply notify their employer
Obtain a special RON seal from the state
Register with the Secretary of State as a RON notary and use an approved platform (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Register with the Secretary of State as a RON notary and use an approved platform

NH notaries must register with the Secretary of State and use a state-approved RON technology platform before performing remote notarizations.

Question 29: Which of the following is NOT a duty of a New Hampshire notary public?

Administering oaths and affirmations
Certifying copies of documents
Taking acknowledgments
Performing marriages (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Performing marriages

New Hampshire notaries public are authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgments, and certify copies of documents. However, performing marriage ceremonies is not among the powers granted to notaries public under New Hampshire law. This duty is typically reserved for justices of the peace, ministers, or other authorized officials.

Question 30: If a NH RON platform vendor ceases operations, what should the notary do regarding session recordings?

Take steps to secure and retain the recordings themselves for the required period (Correct answer)
Delete the recordings to protect signer privacy
Nothing, the platform is responsible
Report to the Secretary of State and await instructions

Correct answer: Take steps to secure and retain the recordings themselves for the required period

The notary remains responsible for the retention of session recordings and must take steps to secure them if the platform closes.

New Hampshire Notary Public Exam

The New Hampshire Notary Public knowledge assessment covers state notary law under RSA 455, including notarial acts, signer identification, duties, commission procedures, and fee schedules as outlined in the NH Secretary of State's Notary Public & Justice of the Peace Manual.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

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