NH Notary NH Notary Commission Application and Renewal 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What disqualifies a person from being appointed as a NH notary?
- Having a misdemeanor conviction only
- Being convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude (Correct answer)
- Having a traffic violation
- Being over 65 years of age
Correct answer: Being convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude
Felony convictions or convictions involving dishonesty or moral turpitude are grounds for denial of a notary commission in New Hampshire.
Question 2: What must a NH notary do if their official name changes during their commission?
- Wait until renewal to update
- Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a new commission in the updated name (Correct answer)
- Simply begin using the new name
- File an affidavit with the county clerk
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a new commission in the updated name
A name change requires notification to the Secretary of State and issuance of a new commission reflecting the updated name.
Question 3: What should a NH notary do if they move out of New Hampshire during their commission?
- Continue using the commission until it expires
- Notify the Secretary of State; the commission may become void if NH employment or residency no longer exists (Correct answer)
- Immediately destroy their seal
- Transfer the commission to the new state
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State; the commission may become void if NH employment or residency no longer exists
If a NH notary loses their connection to New Hampshire (residency or principal place of business), they must notify the Secretary of State as their commission may become void.
Question 4: What is required to renew a New Hampshire notary commission?
- Pass a written examination
- Submit a renewal application and fees to the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- Provide letters of recommendation
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education
Correct answer: Submit a renewal application and fees to the Secretary of State
NH notary renewal requires submitting a renewal application along with the applicable fees to the Secretary of State before the current commission expires.
Question 5: Can a NH notary perform notarial acts after their commission expires while their renewal is pending?
- Yes, for up to 90 days
- No, all notarial authority ceases on the expiration date (Correct answer)
- Yes, if they have submitted the renewal application
- Only for documents signed before the expiration date
Correct answer: No, all notarial authority ceases on the expiration date
A notary's authority to act expires precisely on the commission expiration date; acts performed after expiration are unauthorized regardless of pending renewal.
Question 6: If a NH notary's commission is revoked, what must they do with their seal?
- Keep it for personal reference
- Surrender or destroy it as directed by the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- Transfer it to a new notary
- File it with the county clerk
Correct answer: Surrender or destroy it as directed by the Secretary of State
Upon revocation of a commission, the notary must surrender or destroy their official seal to prevent unauthorized future use.
NH Notary NH Notary Commission Application and Renewal 2
What disqualifies a person from being appointed as a NH notary?