Starting on October 22, 2021, Notaries in New Jersey can apply to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). Learn how you can become an NJ remote Notary by following the steps below:
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Contract with a RON provider that meets state requirements.
- Notify the State Treasurer of your intent to perform RONs and identify your chosen vendor.
In This Guide: New Jersey RON Requirements | About RON in New Jersey | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in New Jersey
Before you can apply to perform remote notarizations, you must first meet New Jersey's requirement of holding a traditional Notary Public commission. Notaries must be at least 18 years old and be legal residents of New Jersey. If you're not a legal resident, you must either maintain or be regularly employed in an office in NJ, or be an employee of a business whose primary place of business is in NJ and you perform your employment duties remotely from home or co-working space.
You must 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.
Does New Jersey require training or an exam to work as an online Notary?
No training nor exam is required to perform remote online notarizations in New Jersey.
What tools and technology do I need to perform online notarizations?
In order to provide remote Notary services, you'll need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet connection. You'll need to contract with a RON provider that meets state requirements. The NJ State Treasurer does not endorse any third-party vendors, but the following meet state requirements: BlueNotary, Clear Sign, Cyberize It, DocVerify, Pavaso and SIGNiX.
You'll also need to buy your digital Notary supplies, which include your electronic seal, electronic journal and digital certificate containing your electronic signature. Keep in mind these items must be compatible with your chosen RON vendor.
Do I need a surety bond?
No, a surety bond is not required.
Is an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy required?
While an E&O insurance policy is not required, it is strongly recommended. Unlike surety bonds that protect the public, an E&O policy can save you from high legal fees should you make an unintentional mistake during a notarization. The potential cost-savings and peace of mind by having an E&O policy can be well worth it.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in New Jersey
Performing notarizations is easier now than ever in New Jersey. Learn more about RONs below.
Does New Jersey allow remote online notarization?
Yes, Assembly 4250 was enacted and takes effect on October 22, 2021. Under the new bill, NJ Notaries can apply to perform remote notarizations for signers located anywhere so long as the Notaries themselves are physically located within New Jersey at the time of the notarization.
How do remote online notarizations work in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a remote notarization may involve paper or electronic documents. Notaries may only notarize paper documents remotely when taking an acknowledgment of a signature. The signer must send the documents to the Notary prior to notarization.
During the remote notarization, the Notary verifies the signer’s identity through the use of 1) personal knowledge, 2) satisfactory evidence by oath or affirmation from a credible witness appearing before the Notary, or 3) at least two different types of identity proofing.
Once the signer's identity has been verified, the Notary asks them if they understand the document and if they are willing to sign it. From there, the Notary checks the document for blanks, completes the certificate wording, attaches an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
The Notary saves a journal entry and an audio-visual recording of the act, marking the session complete.
Which notarial acts can be performed remotely?
In New Jersey, Notaries may perform the following acts remotely:
- Taking an acknowledgment
- Administering an oath or affirmation
- Taking a verification on oath or affirmation
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
- Certifying or attesting a copy or deposition
- Certifying a papered out electronic record
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
How long do remote notarizations take vs. traditional notarizations?
Remote notarizations take far less time than traditional notarizations since the whole act is done online. From the moment the signer logs onto a RON platform to when the Notary saves an audio-visual recording, the entire notarization can only take a few minutes.
Additional RON FAQs
Find answers to the most commonly-asked questions about RON below.
How much does it cost to become an NJ remote online Notary?
Becoming a remote Notary in New Jersey can cost below $100 up to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the vendors you choose to work with among other factors. For example, you'll need to pay any initial fees to get set up with a RON provider in addition to your digital Notary supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate.
If you have a surety bond and/or recommended E&O policy, you'll need to factor in the cost to maintain those policies. You may already have a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access, but those items may be additional expenses if you don't already have them.
How much can New Jersey remote Notaries charge per notarial act?
New Jersey State Treasurer does not set a maximum fee Notaries may charge per remote notarization, but it's best practice for the signer to agree to your fee in advance. We'll update this page as more information becomes available.
How long does it take to become an online Notary?
It can take between six to eight weeks to become an NJ remote Notary with the majority of that time spent on getting your traditional Notary Public commission. Once you're commissioned, the process is relatively quick.
After you become a Notary Public, you'll spend one day researching and getting set up with a RON provider of your choice. On the same or the next day, you'll notify the State Treasurer of your intent to perform remote notarizations. Allow the State Treasurer some time to respond to your request.
How long will my remote Notary authorization last?
Your remote Notary authorization runs concurrently with your traditional commission. You'll need to reapply for remote authorization after you've successfully renewed your Notary Public commission.
Will RON services grow my NJ Notary business?
Yes, providing remote online notarizations can only increase your clientele. With RON technology, you're no longer limited to signers you can drive to. Instead, you'll have unlimited access to signers in all locations — just remember to be physically located in New Jersey at the time of the notarial act.
To further grow your business, consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Getting your NSA certificate proves to future contractors you've passed a current background screening, making you eligible for loan signings.
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Last updated: June 21, 2023