To learn how to become a notary in NJ, start with the basic requirements: you must be at least 18 years old and either live in New Jersey or work in the state. Since July 1, 2022, new non-attorney applicants must complete a six-hour course and pass an exam approved by the State Treasurer. You then apply through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES), traditionally with an endorsement from a state legislator, and pay the application fee. After your commission is approved, you must take your oath of office at your county clerk’s office within three months, or 90 days, or the commission becomes void. A New Jersey notary commission lasts five years. Notaries must keep a journal of notarial acts and use an official seal, and they may charge up to $2.50 for common acts such as acknowledgments and jurats. Remote online notarization has been allowed in New Jersey since 2021 for notaries who meet the extra requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Age: 18 or older.
- Residency: live in New Jersey or work in the state.
- Training: six-hour course and exam for new non-attorney applicants.
- Apply: through DORES, the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
- Oath: at the county clerk’s office within three months of approval.
- Term: five years, renewable.
- Fees you can charge: up to $2.50 for common notarial acts.
Details come from New Jersey Treasury, county clerk and notary resources, reviewed before publication. Requirements and fees can change, so confirm current instructions with DORES before you apply.
How to Become a Notary in NJ at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Residency | NJ resident, or employed in New Jersey |
| Education | Six-hour course for new non-attorney applicants |
| Exam | State-approved exam |
| Application | Filed with DORES, with a legislator’s endorsement under long-standing rules |
| Oath | At the county clerk within 3 months (90 days) |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Renewal training | Three-hour continuing education course for many renewals |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Notary in NJ
- Check eligibility. Be at least 18 and live or work in New Jersey. A criminal conviction may disqualify some applicants.
- Complete the six-hour course. New non-attorney applicants must finish a course approved by the State Treasurer.
- Pass the exam. The exam covers New Jersey notary law, duties and practices.
- Get an endorsement. New Jersey has long required new applications to be endorsed by a state legislator; confirm the current rule on the DORES application.
- Apply to DORES. Submit your application and pay the fee.
- Take the oath. When your commission certificate arrives, go to your county clerk’s office within three months to be sworn in and recorded.
- Get your supplies. Buy an official seal and a notary journal before your first notarization.
Costs to Become a Notary
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| State application fee | About $25 to $30, depending on filing method |
| County oath and recording fee | A small fee set by the county clerk |
| Six-hour course and exam | Varies by approved provider |
| Notary seal | Roughly $20 to $40 from a supplier |
| Notary journal | Roughly $15 to $55, paper or electronic |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Optional, recommended for frequent notaries |
Many employers, such as banks, law firms and real estate offices, pay for their employees’ notary costs, so ask your employer before you buy anything.
Duties of a New Jersey Notary
A notary public is an impartial witness who helps prevent fraud when people sign important documents. New Jersey notaries must confirm the identity of each signer, make sure the signer appears in person (or through an approved remote online process), and record each act in a journal.
| Notarial act | What it is |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Signer confirms they signed the document willingly |
| Jurat | Signer swears or affirms the contents are true and signs in front of you |
| Oath or affirmation | A spoken promise of truthfulness |
| Proof of a deed | Taking proof of a deed from a subscribing witness |
What Notaries Can Charge
New Jersey notaries may charge up to $2.50 for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths and affirmations, and proofs of deeds. Notaries cannot charge more than the state maximum for these notarial acts. Many notaries who work for banks and employers do not charge customers at all.
Remote Online Notarization in NJ
New Jersey has permitted remote online notarization since 2021. Notaries who want to perform remote notarizations must use approved technology that records the session and verifies the signer’s identity. Before offering remote services, check the state’s current requirements for registration and technology providers.
Renewing Your Commission
A New Jersey notary commission lasts five years. Many renewal applicants must complete a three-hour continuing education course before renewing. Apply before your commission expires, and remember that you will need to take a new oath with the county clerk after renewal is approved.
Tips for New Notaries
- Keep your journal carefully; it protects you if a document is challenged.
- Never notarize for yourself or where you have a financial interest.
- Always check ID, even for people you know.
- Do not give legal advice; notaries who are not attorneys cannot draft legal documents.
- Update DORES if you change your name or address.
- Store your seal securely to prevent misuse.
Becoming a notary can be a useful skill for jobs in banking, real estate, law offices, schools and human resources, and some notaries build side businesses as mobile notaries or loan signing agents. Loan signing work usually requires extra training and certification from private organizations.
How to Become a Notary in NJ as an Attorney
New Jersey attorneys follow a slightly different path. Attorneys admitted to practice in New Jersey are exempt from the six-hour course and exam requirement that applies to new non-attorney applicants, although they still need to follow the state’s application process to hold a notary commission. Attorneys should confirm current rules with DORES before applying.
Common Mistakes New Notaries Make
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Missing the 3-month oath deadline | Visit the county clerk as soon as your commission arrives |
| Notarizing without the signer present | Always require the signer in person or on an approved remote platform |
| Skipping journal entries | Record every act, even for coworkers |
| Charging too much | Stay within the $2.50 maximum for common acts |
| Giving legal advice | Refer people to an attorney for legal questions |
Anyone learning how to become a notary in NJ should also read the state’s notary manual carefully, since it explains the rules on identification, journals, seals and remote notarization in detail. Knowing the rules protects both you and the people who rely on your signature.
The time it takes to become a notary in NJ depends on how quickly you complete the course and exam and how long the state takes to process your application, so plan ahead if you need your commission for a new job.
If you are still deciding whether to become a notary in NJ, consider how often you will use it. Many people become notaries because an employer needs one on staff, while others offer mobile notary services for real estate closings, loan documents and legal paperwork. Either way, understanding how to become a notary in NJ and following the rules closely will help you serve the public well.
Once you know how to become a notary in NJ, the process itself is manageable: finish the course, pass the exam, apply, and take your oath on time. Keeping this checklist handy will help you avoid delays in how to become a notary in NJ and start notarizing with confidence.
More NJ Guides
See pay ranges across the state in our average salary in NJ guide, check current pay floors in our NJ minimum wage guide and learn about license renewals in our NJ license renewal guide. Find more in our Living in NJ section or on the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Notary in NJ
How do I become a notary in NJ?
Be 18 or older, live or work in NJ, complete the six-hour course and exam, apply through DORES and take your oath at the county clerk.
How long does a NJ notary commission last?
Five years.
Is there a test to become a notary in NJ?
Yes. New non-attorney applicants must pass a state-approved exam after a six-hour course.
How long do I have to take the notary oath in NJ?
Within three months (90 days) of your commission, or it becomes void.
How much can a NJ notary charge?
Up to $2.50 for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths and proofs of deeds.
Do NJ notaries need a journal?
Yes. Notaries must keep a journal of notarial acts.
Can I become a NJ notary if I live in another state?
Yes, if you work in New Jersey.
Can NJ notaries notarize online?
Yes, remote online notarization has been allowed since 2021 for notaries who meet the requirements.
Do attorneys need to take the NJ notary course?
Attorneys admitted in New Jersey are exempt from the course and exam requirement for new applicants.
Can a notary in NJ notarize for family members?
Notaries should not notarize documents in which they have a personal or financial interest; when in doubt, use another notary.
The Bottom Line
To become a notary in NJ, be 18 or older and live or work in the state, complete the six-hour course and exam, apply through DORES and take your oath with the county clerk within three months. The commission lasts five years, and you can charge up to $2.50 for common notarial acts.
