In order to become a Notary in NJ, you must complete the following steps:
- Meet the state's qualifications.
- Review the New Jersey Notary Public Manual.
- Pass an exam.
- Complete the Notary application form online.
- Receive your certificates.
- Take your oath of office.
- Buy a Notary seal and journal.
About the New Jersey Notary Process
The term of a New Jersey Notary commission is five years. Below are answers to common questions about the Notary Public application process.
Cost to Become a Notary in New Jersey
The cost to become a Notary in New Jersey ranges between $102.50 - $132.50, depending on how you file your application and where you purchase your journal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$25 (paper) or $30 (online) |
| Take oath of office and recording |
$17.50 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$102.50 - $132.50 |
Commission Processing Time
It can take four to six weeks to become commissioned as an NJ Notary Public. This depends on your availability and the time the State Treasurer needs to process your application.
New Jersey Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you qualify for a Notary commission in the Garden State? Read on below.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in New Jersey must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of New Jersey or employed by a company that has a primary place of business in NJ even if you perform your duties remotely from home or from a coworking place
- Not have been convicted of a crime under the laws of any state or of the U.S. for an offense involving dishonesty or a crime of the first or second-degree
Nonresident applicants may apply for an NJ Notary commission granted they are an employee of a business whose domicile or primary place of business is in New Jersey and performs their employment duties remotely from a home office or a coworking space.
Education
Applicants are required to attest they’ve read the New Jersey Notary Public Manual to fulfill the education requirements.
Please note: NJ Administrative Rules 2022 requires applicants to complete a course of study and submit a certificate of approval. Until the Notary courses are made available on the State Treasurer website, you’re required to acknowledge having read and understood the Notary Public Manual.
Exam
Take the exam online by clicking on “New Commissioning Application” on the DORES website.
After your exam attempt, you’ll receive a Notary Exam Access Key in the confirmation email, which you’ll need for the online application.
Application
Complete the Notary application form on the state's website. Your online application will be forwarded to the senator or assemblyperson of your choice for endorsement.
Oath of Office
If you're approved, the state's Notary Public Unit will send a Commission Certificate and Oath Qualification Certificate.
Take the certificates to your county clerk within three months.
The county clerk will administer your oath of office and collect a filing fee. They will send the completed Oath Qualification Certificate to the Notary Public Unit.
Notary Supplies
New Jersey Notaries must use a rubber stamp ink seal and journal for all notarial acts for paper documents.
The stamp must display the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public, State of New Jersey"
- Your commission expiration date
A journal to record all notarial acts is required. The journal may be in a tangible medium that is a permanent, bound register with consecutively numbered lines and pages or in an electronic format that is permanent and tamper evident.
New Jersey Notary Public FAQs
Here, you can find more information about being an NJ Notary Public.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES), located in Trenton, NJ, appoints and commissions Notaries Public.
The Department of the Treasury's Notary Public Unit processes Notary applications and handles Notary-related matters in the state.
Department of the Treasury
P. O. Box 002
Trenton, NJ 08625-0002
May I become an NJ Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a New Jersey Notary Public. You must be a legal resident of the state or be employed within the state and meet all other application requirements.
Can an NJ Notary notarize out of state?
No. A New Jersey Notary can only perform notarial acts within the state's borders.
What is a surety bond, and do I need one?
A surety bond is not required for Notaries in NJ. Surety bonds protect the public from financial harm if the Notary acts improperly or is negligent.
Many Notaries choose to purchase an optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to protect themselves from possible legal costs or damages if their notarial acts are called into question.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization.
Notaries are prohibited from notarizing documents in which the Notary or the Notary's spouse or civil union partner is a party or in which either of them has a direct beneficial interest.
How much can New Jersey Notaries charge for their services?
New Jersey authorizes Notaries to charge a maximum fee of $2.50 per notarial act.
What happens if I move or change my name?
You must report any changes to your address or name to the State Treasurer's Division of Revenue. You can do so by submitting a change request online. There is no fee for an address change, but there is a $25 fee for a name change.
What is the process for renewing my commission as a Notary?
The renewal process in New Jersey is similar to the process of becoming a Notary except renewing Notaries must take a state-approved continuing education course. We’ll update this page once more information is made available.
The state will send you a renewal package three months prior to your commission expiration date.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in New Jersey?
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Last updated: Jul 29, 2024