To get a notary license in NJ, you complete a state-approved six-hour course, pass the state exam, file an application through the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) with a $30 fee, and then take your oath of office at a county clerk’s office within three months of receiving your commission packet. From start to finish, expect two to three months. Once active, the commission lasts five years.
Check That You Qualify
You must be at least 18 and either a legal resident of New Jersey or a resident of an adjoining state who regularly works in or maintains an office in New Jersey.1Justia. New Jersey Code 52:7-12 – Qualifications2New Jersey Department of the Treasury. New Jersey Notary Public Program Frequently Asked Questions Living in a non-adjoining state and working remotely for a New Jersey employer is not enough on its own.
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. But if you have been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or a first- or second-degree offense under state or federal law, the State Treasurer can only appoint you with approval from the New Jersey Attorney General.2New Jersey Department of the Treasury. New Jersey Notary Public Program Frequently Asked Questions
Complete the Course and Pass the Exam
Under P.L. 2021, c.179, non-attorney applicants must complete a six-hour course of study approved by the State Treasurer and pass an examination prescribed by the State Treasurer before filing an application.3State of New Jersey. Announcement New Notary Educational and Testing Requirements Attorneys admitted to the New Jersey bar are exempt from both.
The Treasurer’s office publishes the list of approved education providers. You will need proof of course completion for your application, so finish the full six hours before you sit for the exam. The exam covers notarial duties, legal requirements, and correct procedures under New Jersey law.
File Your Application With DORES
Once you have your course completion certificate and exam result, submit your application through the DORES online portal at njportal.com.4New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. How to Become a Notary Public in New Jersey You will enter personal information, employment details, and eligibility confirmations. Non-residents upload a business affidavit showing they work in New Jersey.
Every notary application must be endorsed by a state legislator before DORES will process it. If you apply online, the system automatically forwards your submission to your district legislator for electronic endorsement, so you do not need to reach out yourself.2New Jersey Department of the Treasury. New Jersey Notary Public Program Frequently Asked Questions
The filing fee is $25, plus a $5 convenience fee for online submissions, for a total of $30. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or e-check.2New Jersey Department of the Treasury. New Jersey Notary Public Program Frequently Asked Questions Plan on four to six weeks of processing time after the legislator endorses your application.
Take the Oath at Your County Clerk’s Office
When DORES approves your application, you will receive a Notary Public Commission Packet by mail.2New Jersey Department of the Treasury. New Jersey Notary Public Program Frequently Asked Questions The commission is not yet active. You have to appear in person at a county clerk’s office to take and subscribe to the oath of office before performing any notarial acts.
You have three months from the date you receive your commission to complete this step. Miss that deadline and the State Treasurer will cancel and revoke the appointment, making it null and void; you would have to reapply and pay all fees over again.5New Jersey Legislature. New Jersey Code PL 2021 c179 – New Jersey Law on Notarial Acts County clerks typically charge $15 to administer and record the oath.6County of Union, New Jersey. Notary Appointment Checklist Three months sounds generous, but mail transit and clerk scheduling can eat into it, so book the appointment as soon as your packet arrives.
Get Your Stamp and Journal Before Your First Act
Two items have to be ready before you notarize anything: an official stamp and a journal.
New Jersey law requires the stamp on every notarial certificate. It must display your name, the title “Notary Public, State of New Jersey,” and your commission expiration date, and it must produce an image clear enough to be photocopied with the document.7Justia. New Jersey Code 52:7-10.5 – Official Stamp You are personally responsible for keeping the stamping device secure, and no one else may use it to perform notarial acts. Report a lost or stolen stamp to the State Treasurer within 10 days.5New Jersey Legislature. New Jersey Code PL 2021 c179 – New Jersey Law on Notarial Acts The stamp belongs to you, not your employer, even if your employer paid for it.
You also have to keep a journal of every notarial act. For each entry, record the date and time, the type of act, the name and address of each signer, the method used to verify identity (including document type, issuance date, and expiration date where applicable), and an itemized list of any fees charged.8Legal Information Institute. New Jersey Administrative Code 17:50-1.11 – Journal Requirement The journal can be a bound paper book with consecutively numbered pages or a permanent, tamper-evident electronic record. It is a legal record and will protect you if a notarization is ever questioned.
What You Can Do and Charge Once Commissioned
New Jersey notaries are authorized to perform six categories of acts: acknowledgments, oaths or affirmations, verifications on oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting signatures, certifying or attesting copies and depositions, and noting protests of negotiable instruments.9Legal Information Institute. New Jersey Administrative Code 17:50-1.2 – Definitions
Fees are capped by rule:
- $2.50 per act for general notarial acts such as acknowledgments, oaths, affidavits, and proofs of deeds
- $15.00 per transaction for all notarial services related to transferring real property, regardless of the number of acts
- $25.00 per transaction for all notarial services related to mortgages and real estate financing, regardless of the number of acts
The real estate figures are per-transaction caps. Five acknowledgments at one mortgage closing still means $25.00 total.
Renewing After Five Years
Your commission runs five years.11New Jersey Legislature. New Jersey Code PL 2021 c179 – New Jersey Law on Notarial Acts File the renewal through the same DORES portal you used the first time.4New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. How to Become a Notary Public in New Jersey The education requirement is lighter on renewal: if you already completed the six-hour course and passed the exam at least once, or if you were first commissioned before October 22, 2021, you only need to complete a three-hour continuing education course before renewing.3State of New Jersey. Announcement New Notary Educational and Testing Requirements Submit the renewal before your current commission expires so you are not performing acts on a lapsed commission.