How to Become a Notary Public in New Jersey

Checked against New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (Department of the Treasury) · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 5 years
State fee: $25 (non-refundable; plus a $5 convenience fee when filed online)
Bond: No bond required
Commissioned by: New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (Department of the Treasury)

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Live in New Jersey, or work or practice in New Jersey (including remote work for a New Jersey–based business).
Not be disqualified by a criminal conviction; applicants convicted of a dishonesty offense or a first- or second-degree crime need the Attorney General's approval.
Non-attorneys must complete the State Treasurer's course and pass the exam.

Step by step

Study the New Jersey Notary Public Manual and watch the state's training videos.
Complete the notary commissioning application (attorneys skip straight to registration).
Take and pass the notary exam online.
Complete the notary registration application on the NJ portal and pay the $25 fee; a state legislator endorses it electronically.
When the commission arrives, take your oath before your county clerk within three months, or the commission is void.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Non-attorneys applying for a first commission must complete the course approved or offered by the State Treasurer (six hours, per the state's education page). Renewing notaries take a three-hour continuing-education course.

Exam: Exam prescribed by the State Treasurer, taken online through the state portal; required for non-attorneys applying for a first commission. The Treasurer may charge up to $15 per attempt.

Practice for the notary exam free — role & powers, prohibited acts, and procedures & recordkeeping →

What it costs in New Jersey

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Six-hour notary course approved by the State Treasurer$
Online notary exam fee (up to $15 per attempt)$0–$15
Application fee (State Treasurer)$25
Online filing convenience fee$5
County clerk fee to record your oath$15
Official notary stamp$
Notary journal$

Estimated total in New Jersey$45–$60Plus 3 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Online exam fee (up to $15)
County clerk fee to record your oath ($15 per the state's notary FAQ)
Official stamp (required for every notarial act)
Journal (required; keep it 10 years)

What other sites get wrong about New Jersey

Myth: To renew a New Jersey notary commission, you only submit a renewal application.

Fact: Renewing notaries must also complete a three-hour continuing-education course approved by the State Treasurer before renewing. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Renew online after the three-hour continuing-education course, with no exam. If your commission expired more than 30 days ago, you apply as a new applicant, including the 6-hour course and the exam.

Remote online notarization: Yes — an active New Jersey notary may perform remote and electronic notarizations after updating their record on the NJ portal to notify the State Treasurer.

Good to know in New Jersey

What you can charge: $2.50 per act for oaths, affidavits, proofs and acknowledgments, or a flat $15 for the sellers in a real estate transfer and $25 for the borrowers in a real estate financing (N.J.S.A. 22A:4-14; N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.18).

Renewal cost: Renewal costs the $25 application fee plus the $5 online convenience fee, after the three-hour continuing-education course; you then pay the county clerk $15 to record your new oath.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (Department of the Treasury) before you apply.