How to Become a Notary in New Jersey (2026 Guide)
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Key Takeaways
- Education required: the course of study offered by the State Treasurer, plus the prescribed exam (initial non-attorney applicants, since July 2022; attorneys exempt)
- Exam required: Must pass the state notary exam (attorneys exempt)
- Journal required: Must maintain a journal of notarial acts
- No surety bond required
- Application fee: $25 (non-refundable), submitted electronically | Commission term: 5 years
- Remote and electronic notarization available under P.L. 2021, c. 179
New Jersey overhauled its notary laws with P.L. 2021, c. 179, adding mandatory education, an exam, and journal requirements, on top of the legislator endorsement the state has always required. Here’s the current process for 2026 applicants, whether you’re headed for general notary work or signing agent assignments. New York, by contrast, requires no course at all, just a statewide exam on a free official booklet (see our New York guide).
Requirements
To become a notary public in New Jersey, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a New Jersey resident or work in the state
- Have no felony convictions involving moral turpitude
- Be able to read and write English
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Required Training Course
Complete the course of study offered by the State Treasurer, delivered online through the nj.gov/njbgs system (no fixed hour count is specified; the course fee, if any, is not published, so confirm it when you register). The course covers notary law, ethics, acknowledgments, jurats, and your responsibilities under the New Jersey Notary Public Act. Attorneys licensed in NJ are exempt from the course and exam.
Step 2: Pass the State Notary Exam
Take and pass the examination prescribed by the State Treasurer, online, with a fee of up to $15.00 per test attempt (the statutory ceiling; confirm the current amount when registering). The exam tests your knowledge of NJ notary law, procedures, and ethical obligations.
Step 3: Apply Online and File with Your County
Submit your application electronically through the NJ Notary Public Registration portal with the $25 non-refundable fee, and here is the step that stops out-of-staters cold: the application must be endorsed by a member of the New Jersey Legislature (your state senator or assembly member signs the form; there is no path around it). Once the commission is issued, you have three months to be sworn in before the clerk of your county of residence (non-residents: the county of office or employment), who transmits your certificate to the Treasurer within 10 days. Miss the three-month window and the commission is cancelled, null and void.
Step 4: Buy Your Supplies
Purchase your notary stamp (required), journal (required), and any other supplies. Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Treasurer’s course of study | Confirm current fee at nj.gov/njbgs |
| Examination | Up to $15 per online test |
| Application fee | $25 (non-refundable) |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal | $10-$50 |
| Total | $90-$190 |
Surety Bond Requirements
No. New Jersey does not require a surety bond or E&O insurance. However, E&O insurance is recommended to protect yourself from liability.
Renewal
New Jersey notary commissions last 5 years. Renew in the same manner as the original application, including a new legislator endorsement and the $25 fee. Renewal requires a continuing education course, but the course-and-exam requirement is satisfied for anyone who completed it at least once, or who was first commissioned before the law’s effective date. Apply before your commission expires to avoid a gap.
Becoming a Signing Agent in New Jersey
New Jersey is an attorney state for real estate closings, but many NJ notaries build signing agent businesses handling out-of-state loan packages. After getting commissioned, take a signing agent training course to learn the loan document process. See our guide to becoming a signing agent for details.
Fee Schedule
New Jersey sets a maximum fee of $2.50 per notarial act: one of the lowest in the country. If you charge fees, you must display a fee schedule or provide one upon request.
Notarizing for Family Members
New Jersey prohibits notarizing documents in which you or your spouse or civil union partner are a party or have a direct beneficial interest. Notarizing for other family members is not specifically prohibited, but exercise caution and avoid any appearance of conflict.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
- Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation, the State Treasurer can revoke your commission
- Civil liability. You can be held personally liable for damages
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal. It cannot be controlled by your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and journal go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
How New Jersey Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Delaware |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | None | None | $25,000 | None |
| Exam | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Training | Manual | No | 3 hours | No |
| Term | 5 years | 4 years | 4 years | 2 years |
| Max Fee | $2.50 | $2 | $5 | $5 |
| Journal | Required | Recommended | Recommended | Required |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
New Jersey requires an exam and journal but no bond. Pennsylvania’s $25,000 bond is the outlier in the region. New York has the lowest fee cap at $2. Delaware has the shortest first term at 2 years. All four states permit RON.
How Much You Can Charge
New Jersey’s official Notary Public Manual sets the maximum fees: $2.50 per notarial act for acknowledgments, oaths, and similar acts; $15 flat for grantor notarizations in a real-estate transfer; and $25 flat for mortgagor notarizations in real-estate financing, regardless of how many services the package contains. You may charge a travel fee as a separate service agreed in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a training course required to become a New Jersey notary?
Yes. Since P.L. 2021, c. 179 (effective July 2022), initial non-attorney applicants must complete the course of study offered by the State Treasurer. No official source fixes the length at six hours.
Is there a notary exam in New Jersey?
Yes. Non-attorney applicants must pass the examination prescribed by the State Treasurer, taken online with a fee of up to $15 per attempt.
Is a notary journal required in New Jersey?
Yes. Since P.L. 2021, c. 179, New Jersey notaries must maintain a journal of notarial acts.
How long does a New Jersey notary commission last?
5 years. Renew in the same manner as the original application, including a new legislator endorsement and the $25 fee; the course-and-exam requirement does not repeat if you completed it once.
Can New Jersey notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. P.L. 2021, c. 179 authorized remote and electronic notarizations in New Jersey.
Why does a legislator have to endorse my New Jersey notary application?
New Jersey law requires the application form to carry the endorsement of a member of the New Jersey Legislature, your state senator or assembly member. Most legislators handle notary endorsements as routine constituent service; contact your representative’s office for the signature before you submit electronically.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the NJ Division of Revenue and P.L. 2021, c. 179.
