What New Jersey requires to become a notary
To become a notary in New Jersey, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior experience. The state does not require you to pass an exam, but you do need to submit an process to the county clerk's office in the county where you live, along with a $25 process fee and a character reference from someone who knows you.
New Jersey notaries are commissioned by the county clerk, not by the state. This means you explore locally, not through a central office. Your commission lasts for five years, after which you can renew it by submitting a renewal process and another $25 fee to the same county clerk.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, a New Jersey resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
- explore to your county clerk's office with a completed process form, $25 fee, and a character reference from someone who is not a family member.
- New Jersey does not require a notary exam, but the county clerk may interview you or request additional information before approving your commission.
- Your notary commission lasts five years and can be renewed by submitting a renewal process and another $25 fee before your current commission expires.
- Once commissioned, you can notarize documents, administer oaths, and take acknowledgments, but you cannot notarize documents for yourself or your spouse.
how the process works through your county clerk
Start by contacting the county clerk's office in the county where you live. You can find the clerk's office phone number and address through your county's website or by calling the main county government line. Ask for the notary process form, which is sometimes called the "process for Appointment as Notary Public."
Fill out the process completely. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, home address, and phone number. The form will ask whether you have ever been convicted of a crime—answer honestly, because the county clerk will conduct a background check. You will also need to name a character reference: someone who is not a family member, knows you personally, and can vouch for your character.
Submit the completed process, the $25 fee (check or money order, payable to the county clerk), and a copy of your character reference's contact information to the county clerk's office. Some offices accept applications in person, by mail, or both. Ask which method is fastest when you call.
What happens after you submit your process
The county clerk will review your process and may contact you or your character reference to verify the information. This process typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be longer if the office is busy or if they need to follow up on something in your background check.
If the clerk approves your process, you will receive a notary commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your official proof that you are a notary. Keep it in a safe place. You do not need to display it publicly, but you should have it available if someone questions your authority to notarize a document.
If the clerk denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a criminal conviction, dishonesty on the process, or failure to provide a valid character reference. If you are denied, you can contact the county clerk to ask whether you can reapply after a certain period of time.
Bonding and insurance requirements
New Jersey does not legally require notaries to carry a surety bond or errors and omissions insurance. However, some employers—particularly banks, title companies, and law firms—may require you to carry a bond before they hire you as a notary. A surety bond is an insurance product that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly in your notary duties.
If you plan to work as a notary for an employer, ask them whether they require a bond before you explore for your commission. If they do, you can purchase a bond from an insurance agent or online surety bond provider. Bonds typically cost between $50 and $150 for a five-year term, depending on the bond amount and the provider.
What you can and cannot do as a New Jersey notary
As a notary, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and take acknowledgments (statements in which someone confirms they signed a document). You can charge a fee for these services—New Jersey allows notaries to charge up to $2.50 per signature, though you can charge less or nothing if you choose.
You cannot notarize a document for yourself, your spouse, or anyone you have a financial interest in. You also cannot notarize a document if you do not personally know the signer or cannot verify their identity through a government-issued ID. You cannot give legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent yourself as a lawyer unless you are actually licensed to practice law in New Jersey.
If someone asks you to notarize a document that you are unsure about, it is better to decline than to notarize it incorrectly. Notarizing a document you should not have notarized can result in your commission being revoked and potential legal liability.
Renewing your notary commission
Your notary commission expires five years after the date it was issued. To renew, contact your county clerk's office about 60 days before your commission expires and ask for a renewal process. The renewal process is simpler than the initial process—you will not need a new character reference, and there is no background check.
Submit the completed renewal process and another $25 fee to the county clerk before your current commission expires. If you submit it on time, your new commission will begin on the day your old one ends, with no gap in your authority to notarize documents. If you miss the important date, your commission will lapse, and you will need to submit a new process rather than a renewal.
Finding notary work in New Jersey
Many notaries work part-time while keeping another job. Common employers include banks, title companies, real estate offices, law firms, and government agencies. Some notaries work independently and advertise their services to the public through word of mouth, online directories, or local business listings.
If you want to work for an employer, contact human resources or the manager at banks, title companies, or real estate offices in your area and ask whether they hire notaries. If you want to work independently, you can list yourself in online notary directories, create a straightforward website, or post on community bulletin boards. Keep in mind that independent notary work can be unpredictable—you may have busy periods and slow periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a test to become a notary in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not require notaries to pass an exam. You only need to submit an process, pay the fee, and provide a character reference. The county clerk may interview you or ask follow-up questions, but there is no formal test.
How much does it cost to become a notary in New Jersey?
The process fee is $25, and the renewal fee is also $25 every five years. If your employer requires a surety bond, that typically costs between $50 and $150 for a five-year term, but this is optional unless your employer specifically asks for it.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
No. New Jersey law prohibits you from notarizing documents for yourself, your spouse, or anyone you have a financial interest in. You also cannot notarize a document if you do not personally know the signer or cannot verify their identity with a government-issued ID.
What if I move to a different county in New Jersey?
Your notary commission is tied to the county where you live. If you move to a different county, contact your new county clerk's office to ask whether you need to reapply or whether your commission can be transferred. Some counties allow transfers; others require a new process.
How long does it take to become a notary in New Jersey?
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your commission certificate. This depends on how busy the county clerk's office is and whether they need to follow up on anything in your process or background check.