NM Notary Notary Commission Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before receiving a New Mexico notary commission, an applicant must pass which of the following?
- A federal background investigation by the FBI
- An oral interview with a district judge
- An examination based on New Mexico notary law (Correct answer)
- A typing and clerical skills test
Correct answer: An examination based on New Mexico notary law
Under RULONA, New Mexico requires first-time applicants to pass an examination covering the state's notary laws and rules.
Question 2: An applicant was convicted of a felony involving fraud five years ago. How does this affect a New Mexico notary application?
- The Secretary of State may deny the commission based on the conviction (Correct answer)
- The application is automatically approved with a higher bond
- It has no effect because the conviction is over three years old
- Only violent felonies affect notary applications
Correct answer: The Secretary of State may deny the commission based on the conviction
The Secretary of State may deny a commission to an applicant with a felony conviction or one involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.
Question 3: A New Mexico notary applicant must submit their application along with which of the following?
- Proof of a college degree
- Fingerprint cards from local police
- The required application fee and executed oath and bond documentation (Correct answer)
- A letter of recommendation from two attorneys
Correct answer: The required application fee and executed oath and bond documentation
The application must be accompanied by the statutory fee and the required assurance and oath documentation before a commission issues.
Question 4: When may a newly commissioned New Mexico notary begin performing notarial acts?
- As soon as the exam is passed, even before the commission arrives
- Immediately upon mailing the application
- After performing three supervised notarizations
- Only after the commission is issued and the official stamp is obtained (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Only after the commission is issued and the official stamp is obtained
A notary may not act until the commission is effective and the notary has the required official stamp.
Question 5: A New Mexico notary moves to a new home address within the state. What must the notary do?
- Surrender the stamp and journal to the county clerk
- Nothing, since the commission follows the person statewide
- Apply for an entirely new commission
- Notify the Secretary of State of the address change within the required timeframe (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State of the address change within the required timeframe
Notaries must keep their contact information current by notifying the Secretary of State of changes such as a new address.
Question 6: Which of the following would disqualify an applicant from receiving a New Mexico notary commission?
- Holding a commission in another state at the same time
- Being 62 years old
- Having a notary commission revoked in another state for misconduct (Correct answer)
- Working for a bank instead of a law office
Correct answer: Having a notary commission revoked in another state for misconduct
A prior revocation, denial, or suspension of a notary commission in any state is grounds for the Secretary of State to deny the application.
Question 7: Is United States citizenship required to become a New Mexico notary public?
- Yes, and citizenship must be held for at least five years
- No, there are no immigration status requirements at all
- Yes, only U.S. citizens may be commissioned
- No, citizens and permanent legal residents of the United States may qualify (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No, citizens and permanent legal residents of the United States may qualify
New Mexico allows both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for a notary commission.
NM Notary Notary Commission Requirements 3
Before receiving a New Mexico notary commission, an applicant must pass which of the following?