How to Become a Notary Public in New Jersey

This guide covers all requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria to become a commissioned Notary Public in New Jersey.

Steps to Becoming a Notary Public in New Jersey

Meet New Jersey notary eligibility requirements
Complete an approved six‑hour notary education course and pass the online exam
Submit the Notary Commissioning Application (endorsed by a legislator) and pay the filing fee
Take the oath of office with your county clerk within 90 days
Receive your Commission Certificate and Oath Qualification Certificate
Purchase a notary seal or stamp and maintain a journal
Optionally, register for Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Renew every five years with continuing education and filing

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New Jersey Notary Public Process

Notaries in New Jersey are appointed for a five-year term, commissioned by the State Treasurer and sworn in at the county level.

Cost to Become a Notary in New Jersey

The total cost varies based on required and optional supplies. Below is a cost breakdown:

Item	Cost	Details
Filing Fee	$25 (paper) or $30 (online)	Paid when submitting the application
Education Course & Exam	Included + up to $15 exam fee	Mandatory six-hour course and test
Oath of Office Fee	$15	Paid at the county clerk’s office
Notary Seal/Stamp	Approximately $30	Must meet state size and format standards
Notary Journal	$30–$55	Bound or tamper-evident electronic version
Total Estimated Cost	$102.50–$132.50+	Depends on filing method and vendor choices

Commission Processing Time

After submitting all materials and paying fees, you can expect your Commission Certificate and Oath Qualification within 4–6 weeks.

New Jersey Notary Requirements

To qualify as a Notary Public in New Jersey, applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old
Reside in New Jersey or a bordering state and work in New Jersey
Have no felony convictions unless restored under law
Be able to read and write English

Notary Training & Exam

Non-attorney applicants must complete a six-hour approved notary education course and pass the exam.

For renewals, you must complete a three-hour continuing education course and pass the updated exam.

Application & Oath of Office

Complete and obtain legislator endorsement on the Commissioning Application.
Pay the filing fee—$25 for paper or $30 online.
After appointment, present your Certificate and Oath Qualification to the county clerk within 90 days, pay the $15 oath fee, and take the oath.

Missing this 90-day window requires reapplication.

Commission Certificate & Supplies

To perform notarizations in Alaska, Notaries need:

Notary Seal or Stamp – A notary seal or stamp that includes your name, “Notary Public, State of New Jersey,” and commission expiration.
Notary Journal – A journal (permanent or electronic) to securely document notarial acts.

Renewal Process

Every five years, you must:

Complete a three-hour continuing education course and exam
File the renewal application with the fee
Take the oath again if required

Failure to renew within 30 days of expiration requires retaking the initial six-hour course and exam.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

New Jersey allows Remote Online Notarization for commissioned notaries using approved e-notary technology and complying with state requirements.

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in New Jersey involves completing mandatory education, submitting an endorsed application, taking an oath, and obtaining a seal and journal. Once commissioned for five years, you’re fully authorized to notarize documents—and may optionally offer remote notarizations.