How to Become a Notary in New Jersey

Want to learn how to become a notary in New Jersey? Becoming a notary public in New Jersey is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to provide valuable services to their community and earn a steady income.

Notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents, ensuring the authenticity of signatures and preventing fraud.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of becoming a notary in New Jersey, providing you with the necessary information and resources to get started on your journey.

Requirements and Qualifications for New Jersey Notaries

Before you can become a notary public in New Jersey, you must meet certain qualifications and requirements. These include:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: You must be a resident of New Jersey or a resident of a neighboring state who is regularly employed in New Jersey.
• Endorsement: You must have a member of the New Jersey Legislature endorse your application.
• Criminal Record: You must not have been convicted of a crime under the laws of any state or the United States for an offense involving dishonesty or a crime of the first or second degree.

Application Process for Becoming a Notary in New Jersey

Once you meet the qualifications listed above, you can begin the application process to become a notary public in New Jersey. The steps are as follows:

• Complete the Notary Public Application: Visit the New Jersey Division of Revenue’s website to access the notary public application. You will need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number.
• Submit Your Application and Pay the Filing Fee: The filing fee for new and renewal notary applications is $25. If you choose to apply online, an additional $5 convenience fee will be added. Submit your completed application along with the required fee to the New Jersey Division of Revenue.
• Receive Your Commission and Oath of Office: Once your application is approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate and an oath of office qualification certificate. You must bring these documents to your county clerk’s office within three months of receiving them, or your commission will be revoked.
• Take the Oath of Office: At the county clerk’s office, you will need to take the oath of office and pay a $15 fee.

Appointing Officer and Term of Office

In New Jersey, notaries are appointed and commissioned by the state treasurer. The term of office for a notary public in New Jersey is five years, beginning on the date specified in the notary’s commission certificate.

Notary Education and Exam Requirements

As of July 2022, new non-attorney applicants for an initial notary public commission in New Jersey must provide satisfactory proof that they have completed a six-hour course of study approved by the state treasurer and passed an examination prescribed by the treasurer. The treasurer may charge up to a $15 fee for each online test.

Additionally, commissioned notaries applying to renew their commission must complete a three-hour continuing education course if they have previously completed the six-hour course and passed the examination or if they were commissioned for the first time before the effective date of P.L. 2021, c.179 (July 2022).

Notary Bond and Insurance Requirements

New Jersey does not require notaries to obtain a surety bond. However, notaries are liable for damages resulting from their negligence, errors, or official misconduct. It is recommended that New Jersey notaries purchase an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to protect themselves against potential claims.

Notary Seal and Stamp Requirements

New Jersey notaries must obtain a notary seal or stamp to authenticate their notarial acts. The seal or stamp must include the notary’s name, the title “Notary Public, State of New Jersey,” and the notary’s commission expiration date. It must also be capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached.

Notary Journal Requirements

New Jersey notaries are required to maintain a journal of all notarial acts performed. The journal may be in a tangible medium, such as a permanent, bound register with consecutively numbered lines and pages, or in an electronic format that is permanent, tamper-evident, and compliant with any rules and regulations set forth by the state treasurer.

Authorized Notarial Acts in New Jersey

A notary public in New Jersey is authorized to perform the following notarial acts:

• Take acknowledgments
• Administer oaths or affirmations
• Take verifications on oath or affirmation
• Witness or attest signatures
• Certify or attest a copy or deposition
• Note protests of negotiable instruments

Notary Fees in New Jersey

New Jersey notaries may charge the following fees for their services:

• For administering oaths, taking affidavits, taking proofs of a deed, and taking acknowledgments: $2.50 per act
• For administering oaths, taking affidavits, taking proofs of a deed, and taking acknowledgments of the grantors in the transfer of real estate, regardless of the number of such services performed in a single transaction to transfer real estate: $15
• For administering oaths, taking affidavits, and taking acknowledgments of the mortgagors in the financing of real estate, regardless of the number of such services performed in a single transaction to finance real estate: $25

Electronic and Remote Online Notarization in New Jersey

New Jersey allows notaries to perform electronic notarizations and remote online notarizations (RONs). To become an electronic notary or remote online notary in New Jersey, you must:

• Hold an existing commission as a traditional notary public.
• Select one or more tamper-evident technologies for electronic notarizations or contract with a RON provider that meets state requirements for remote online notarizations.
• Notify the state treasurer electronically at https://www.njportal.com/DOR/Notary of your intention to perform electronic or remote online notarizations and identify the technologies you intend to use.

Changing Your Name or Address on Your Notary Commission

If you change your name or address while serving as a notary public in New Jersey, you must update your information with the state treasurer. Visit the New Jersey Division of Revenue’s website to complete the necessary forms and submit them electronically.

Conclusion

Becoming a notary public in New Jersey is a rewarding and potentially lucrative endeavor. With the right resources and guidance, you can successfully navigate the application process and begin your journey as a trusted and impartial witness to important legal documents.

By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to serve your community as a notary public in the state of New Jersey.