A New Jersey Notary Public acts as a public officer, serving the state as an impartial witness to document signings and affirmations. This role prevents fraud and ensures the integrity of transactions involving signatures. Obtaining a commission from the State Treasurer requires navigating a specific, multi-step process that now includes new training and testing requirements.
Meeting the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must confirm they meet the statutory prerequisites before beginning the application process. A person seeking a commission must be at least 18 years of age. New Jersey law requires applicants to be either a legal resident of the state or a resident of an adjoining state who maintains an office or is regularly employed in New Jersey. Non-residents must be employed by a business with its primary place of business in New Jersey.
Applicants must also possess the ability to read, write, and understand the English language. The state assesses a candidate’s moral character. A person is ineligible if convicted of an offense involving dishonesty or a crime of the first or second degree under any state or federal law.
Completing the Mandatory State Training
First-time applicants who are not licensed attorneys must complete a mandatory education requirement before submitting their application. The state mandates that new notaries complete a six-hour course of study approved by the State Treasurer. This instruction ensures an understanding of New Jersey notarial law and proper procedures.
After completing the required education, applicants must successfully pass an official notary public examination prescribed by the State Treasurer. The Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) manages the online exam, which must be passed before applying for registration. Applicants typically start a new commissioning application through the state’s online portal to begin the exam process. Although the law requires a six-hour course, current state guidance instructs applicants to attest they have reviewed the New Jersey Notary Public Manual and associated training videos to satisfy the education component.
Submitting the Official Application and Fees
Once the mandatory training and testing requirements are fulfilled, the applicant must file the official Notary Public Registration Application. Applicants are encouraged to complete this process using the online portal managed by the State Treasurer’s office. The application requires answering eligibility questions and uploading necessary documents, such as proof of passing the exam.
The state filing fee for a new commission application is $25, plus a $5 convenience fee for online submissions, totaling $30. Online payment methods include credit or debit cards and e-checks. Non-resident applicants must also upload a business affidavit attesting to their place of employment within New Jersey.
Taking the Oath of Office
After the application is reviewed and approved, the applicant will be mailed a Notary Public Commission Certificate and an Oath Qualification Certificate. The applicant must then appear in person before a qualified official, such as the County Clerk, to take the Oath of Office.
This step must be completed within 90 days from the commission’s issue date. Failure to take the oath within this timeframe will void the commission, requiring the individual to reapply and pay the filing fees again. A separate fee, typically $15, is paid to the County Clerk for administering and recording the oath.
Understanding Notary Tools and Best Practices
A commissioned notary must acquire an official seal or stamp to authenticate every notarial act performed. State law specifies the required content: the notary’s name, the title “Notary Public, State of New Jersey,” and the commission expiration date. The stamp must be capable of being copied along with the affixed document.
New Jersey now requires all notaries to maintain a journal of their notarial acts. This record must be a permanent, bound book with pre-numbered pages or a permanent, tamper-evident electronic format. The journal must record specific details for each act, including the date and time, the type of notarial act, and the method used to identify the signer.
Notaries must operate under ethical guidelines by avoiding the unauthorized practice of law. A notary cannot prepare legal documents, offer legal advice, or offer opinions on a document’s legal effect. Notaries are also prohibited from notarizing a document in which they have a direct beneficial interest or where their spouse is a party.
Maintaining the Commission and Renewal
A Notary Public commission is granted for a term of five years, starting on the date specified on the certificate. The State Treasurer’s Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) typically sends a renewal reminder three months before expiration. The renewal process is similar to the initial application and is submitted through the state’s online portal.
Renewing notaries must complete a different application form and may be required to complete a three-hour continuing education course. The exam is not required for a timely renewal unless the commission has lapsed for over 30 days, which requires applying as a new applicant. If a notary changes their name or address, they must submit an official change request to the State Treasurer.