How to Become a Notary in New Jersey (2026)
Quick answer: To become a notary in New Jersey, you must be 18+, a NJ resident, and submit an application to the State Treasurer. No exam, education, or surety bond is required. Total cost: approximately $40–$65. Commission lasts 5 years.
New Jersey Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Residency | New Jersey resident |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident |
| Background check | No conviction of a crime involving dishonesty |
| Education | Not required |
| Exam | Not required |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Application fee | $25 (state fee) |
| Max fee per act | $2.50 per notarial act |
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of New Jersey, and must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty. There is no education or exam requirement.
Step 2: Complete the application
Download the notary public application from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury website, or request one by mail.
Required information:
- Full legal name
- Home address (must be in NJ)
- Date of birth
- Occupation and employer
- Statement that you have not been convicted of a disqualifying crime
Step 3: Get the application notarized
Your notary application must itself be notarized by a current notary public. You can visit a bank notary or any commissioned notary to have this done (usually free at your bank).
Step 4: Submit the application with fee
Mail the completed, notarized application to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury along with the $25 application fee (check or money order).
Step 5: Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks. Once approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate by mail.
Step 6: Take the oath of office
After receiving your commission, you must take the oath of office before the county clerk in the county where you reside. This must be done within 3 months of receiving your commission.
Step 7: Record your commission
The county clerk records your commission and oath. You may receive a recording fee charge.
Step 8: Purchase your notary supplies
New Jersey requires:
- Notary seal/stamp — Must include your name, “Notary Public of New Jersey,” and your commission expiration date
- Notary journal — Required by New Jersey law. Must be maintained for 7 years after your last entry.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State application fee | $25 |
| County recording fee | $5–$15 |
| Notary stamp/seal | $15–$25 |
| Notary journal | $10–$20 |
| Total | $55–$85 |
New Jersey does not require a surety bond, keeping total costs relatively low.
New Jersey Notary Rules to Know
Journal requirement. New Jersey requires all notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Record every notarization with full details. Retain journals for 7 years.
Low fee cap. The maximum notary fee in NJ is $2.50 per notarial act — one of the lowest in the country. Mobile notary travel fees are separate and unregulated.
5-year commission. New Jersey has one of the longer commission terms at 5 years, compared to the typical 4 years in most states.
No bond required. New Jersey does not require notaries to obtain a surety bond. However, E&O insurance is recommended for active mobile notaries and signing agents.
Oath requirement. You must take the oath of office within 3 months of receiving your commission, or it becomes void. Do not delay this step.
Remote Online Notarization. New Jersey permits RON under legislation enacted in recent years. See our RON guide for state-specific requirements.
Renewing Your New Jersey Notary Commission
Your commission lasts 5 years. To renew:
- Submit a new application at least 30 days before expiration
- Pay the $25 renewal fee
- Take a new oath of office at the county clerk’s office
- Record the new commission
The renewal process is essentially the same as the initial application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in New Jersey?
The entire process takes 6–10 weeks: 4–6 weeks for state processing, plus time to schedule the oath at the county clerk’s office.
Do I need to take a test to become a notary in NJ?
No. New Jersey does not require an exam or education course for notary applicants.
Can I notarize anywhere in New Jersey?
Yes. Your commission is valid statewide. You are not limited to the county where you took your oath.
How much can I charge per notarization in New Jersey?
The maximum is $2.50 per notarial act. If you work as a mobile notary, you can charge additional travel fees which are not capped by state law.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey is one of the states that does not require a surety bond for notaries.
Already a notary in New Jersey? List your services on FindNotary.io to connect with people who need notarization in your area.