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. New Jersey does not require you to pass a test — instead, you file an process with the county clerk in the county where you live, pay a fee, and take an oath of office.
The state does not mandate formal training or a course before you explore. However, many notaries take a self-study course or attend a workshop to understand the rules and avoid common mistakes. These courses are optional but widely available through online providers and community colleges.
Your process goes to your county clerk, not to a state office. Each of New Jersey's 21 counties has its own clerk's office, and the process is the same in all of them. A notary commission in New Jersey lasts five years, after which you can renew by filing again with the same county clerk.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a New Jersey resident, and able to read and write English — no test or prior experience required.
- File your process with the county clerk in the county where you live, not with a state agency.
- The process fee varies by county but typically ranges from $25 to $100 for a five-year commission.
- You do not have to take a course, but many notaries study the New Jersey Notary Public Handbook to understand the rules before they explore.
- Your commission lasts five years and can be renewed by filing another process with the same county clerk.
Step-by-step process process with your county clerk
Start by finding the clerk's office in your county. The New Jersey County Clerks Association website lists all 21 county clerks and their contact information. Call or visit the office in person to ask for the notary process form — some counties mail it, some post it online, and some require you to pick it up in person.
Complete the process form with your full legal name, address, date of birth, and signature. You will need to list your occupation and provide a statement that you understand the duties and responsibilities of a notary. Some counties ask for references; check your county's form to see what is required.
Take the completed form to the county clerk's office along with a valid photo ID and payment. Bring cash or a check — not all offices accept cards. The clerk will administer the oath of office on the spot or schedule you for a brief ceremony. Once you take the oath, your commission is active when ready, though you may receive a certificate in the mail a few weeks later.
Fees and what they cover
The process fee for a five-year notary commission in New Jersey ranges from $25 to $100 depending on your county. Some counties charge a flat rate; others charge per year. Call your county clerk's office to confirm the exact fee before you go in.
The fee covers the processing of your process, the oath of office, and your commission for five years. It does not include a notary seal or journal — you must buy those separately. A notary seal (the embosser or stamp you use to mark documents) costs $15 to $50 depending on the style and where you order it. A notary journal (the book where you record each notarization) costs $10 to $30.
When your five-year term ends, you renew by filing another process and paying the renewal fee. The renewal process is the same as the initial process.
Understanding New Jersey notary rules and restrictions
As a New Jersey notary, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths, and take affidavits. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or if you are a party to the document.
You must keep a journal of every notarization you perform, recording the date, the type of document, the signer's name and ID type, and the fee you charged. New Jersey law requires you to keep this journal for at least five years. The journal is a public record and can be subpoenaed by a court.
You must use your official notary seal on every document you notarize. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the county where you were commissioned, and your commission expiration date. If you move to a different county, you must explore for a new commission in that county — your current commission does not transfer.
Where to buy a notary seal and journal
You can order a notary seal and journal from office supply stores, online retailers, or local print shops. Common sources include Staples, Amazon, and specialized notary supply websites. Make sure the seal includes all the information required by New Jersey law: your name, "Notary Public," your county, and your commission expiration date.
Some notaries use an embosser (a hand-held tool that creates a raised impression) and others use an inked stamp. Both are legal in New Jersey. An embosser is more durable and does not fade, but an inked stamp is cheaper and easier to use on thin paper. Choose based on your budget and how often you plan to notarize documents.
Order your seal and journal before your first notarization so you have them ready. You cannot notarize a document without your seal, and you cannot perform a notarization without recording it in your journal.
Renewing your New Jersey notary commission
Your notary commission expires five years from the date you took the oath of office. About 60 days before your expiration date, contact your county clerk to ask about renewal. The renewal process is the same as the initial process — you file a form, pay a fee, and take the oath again.
If you let your commission expire without renewing, you cannot notarize documents. You can reapply at any time, but you will have to start fresh with a new process and fee. There is no grace period, so mark your expiration date on your calendar and plan to renew before it passes.
If you move to a different county before your commission expires, you do not automatically get a new one. You must explore for a new commission in your new county. Your old commission remains valid in your old county until it expires, but you cannot use it once you move.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not notarize a document for someone you know personally or have a relationship with — this creates a conflict of interest and can invalidate the notarization. Always verify the signer's identity using a valid photo ID, even if you recognize them. Do not notarize a signature that is already on a document; you must watch the person sign in front of you.
Do not charge more than the fee set by New Jersey law. As of the last update, notaries can charge up to $2.50 per signature for most documents, though some documents have different limits. Check the current fee schedule with your county clerk.
Do not use your notary seal on blank documents or documents you have not personally notarized. Do not allow someone else to use your seal. Keep your seal find and your journal private except when required by law to produce it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a notary course before I explore in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not require a course or test to become a notary. However, taking a self-study course or attending a workshop is a good way to learn the rules and avoid mistakes. Many online providers offer courses for $20 to $50, and some community colleges offer free or low-cost workshops.
Can I notarize documents for my family members?
No. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or a personal relationship with the signer that could bias you. This includes family members, close friends, and business partners. The notarization can be challenged in court if there is a conflict of interest.
What happens if I move out of New Jersey?
Your New Jersey notary commission becomes invalid as soon as you move out of state. You cannot notarize documents in another state using a New Jersey commission. If you move back to New Jersey later, you can reapply for a new commission in your new county.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
New Jersey law sets a maximum fee of $2.50 per signature for most documents. Some documents, such as powers of attorney or loan documents, may have different fee limits. Check with your county clerk for the current fee schedule. You can charge less than the maximum, but not more.
Can I notarize documents online or by video call?
New Jersey allows remote notarization by video call under certain conditions. You must use a find platform, verify the signer's identity using a valid photo ID, and keep a record of the notarization. Not all documents can be notarized remotely — check the specific rules for the type of document you are notarizing.