The Legal Powers and Duties of a New Hampshire Notary Public
If you are contemplating becoming a Notary Public for the state of New Hampshire, you can turn to their state statutes to discover what it is you can and cannot do with your official New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal. Their "Authorized Notarial Acts" which are under statutes "RSA 456-B" identify a long list of legal powers that all of the state's notaries are given. These include:
- Acknowledgements
- Copy Certifications
- Depositions
- Jurats
- Oaths and affirmations
- Protests
- Witnessing or attesting signatures
This list is a bit too simple because there is a great deal involved in those seven different issues. For example, they can involve both written and spoken actions. They require notarial wording to be applied, and they use the New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal as part of the official certification process.
This means that any Notary Public in New Hampshire has to really understand what they are doing in order to be sure that their use of their authority and their New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal is appropriate, legal, binding, and so on.
Additionally, the legal term that a Notary Public can use their New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal is five years. After that the "commission" expires. There is always the option to renew, but the Notary Public must then obtain a new New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal with fully updated information.
The Details and Requirements for Your New Hampshire Notary Seal Design
Like many states, New Hampshire asks its notaries to supply their own New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seals, but it also has some very clear specifications for the design and layout of them.
These are:- The name of the notary (as commissioned) must appear
- The term "Notary Public" must be used
- The state name of "New Hampshire" must be printed on the stamp
- The expiration date of the Notary Public's commission must appear on the stamp
- An embossed seal is acceptable as well as a rubber stamp, and if the embossed seal is chosen the Notary Public is then required to carry a separate rubber stamp that indicates the expiration date of the commission.
- The embossed seal does not have to display the date of expiration
Before you can even use the New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal, though, you are required to be commissioned by the Governor of the state along with an Executive Council. After that you will have to sign and take an oath of office in the presence of two notaries, OR two justices of the peace, OR one of each. The oath is then signed by all and sent to the Secretary of the State, only then are you qualified as a notary. You will also have to sign an index card and submit to the county Superior Court in which you reside.
After all of that you can begin using your New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal in an official capacity. You will want to obtain this (whether an embossed seal or rubber stamp) from a qualified vendor. They can ensure that the seal is of the utmost quality, totally legible, and capable of providing up to five years of reliable service. Your New Hampshire Notary Public stamp and seal is a sign that you know what you are doing and take the job of a Notary Public seriously.
Be sure you always keep your seal or stamp in a secure place and consider replacing it if it is becoming unclear, hard to read or illegible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information is required on a New Hampshire Notary Public seal?
A New Hampshire Notary Public seal must include the notary’s name as commissioned, the words “Notary Public,” the state name “New Hampshire,” and the expiration date of the commission. If you use an embossed seal, you must also carry a separate rubber stamp that shows the expiration date.
Can a New Hampshire notary use an embossed seal instead of a rubber stamp?
Yes. New Hampshire allows an embossed seal as an alternative to a rubber stamp. However, if you choose an embossed seal, you are still required to have a separate rubber stamp that displays the commission expiration date.
How long is a New Hampshire notary commission valid?
A New Hampshire notary commission is valid for five years. After the commission expires, the notary must renew and obtain a new Notary Public seal or stamp with updated information.
What are the main duties of a New Hampshire Notary Public?
New Hampshire notaries may perform acknowledgments, jurats, oaths and affirmations, copy certifications, depositions, protests, and witnessing or attesting signatures. These acts must be performed correctly and in compliance with state law to remain valid.
How do I become qualified to use my New Hampshire Notary Public seal?
Before using your seal, you must be commissioned by the Governor and Executive Council, take and sign the oath of office in the presence of the required officials, submit the oath to the Secretary of State, and file an index card with the county Superior Court where you reside.
What should I do if my New Hampshire notary stamp becomes illegible or worn out?
If your notary stamp or seal becomes unclear, hard to read, or illegible, it should be replaced. A clear and legible seal helps ensure your notarial acts remain compliant and reduces the risk of rejected documents or legal issues.
