How to Become a Notary in New Jersey
By Marcos Ogando · October 05, 2026
Becoming a Notary Public in New Jersey requires more than simply submitting an application. New Jersey has education, testing, application, and qualification requirements that prospective notaries should understand before beginning the process.
This guide explains the process step by step based on current information from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.
Who Can Become a Notary Public in New Jersey?
To qualify for a New Jersey Notary Public commission, you must generally:
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a legal resident of New Jersey or have a place of employment or practice in New Jersey.
• Meet the State's eligibility requirements concerning criminal history and disqualification.
Step 1: Complete the Required Notary Education
For an initial commission, a non-attorney applicant must complete the education required by the New Jersey State Treasurer.
New Jersey currently requires a six-hour course of study for these applicants.
This education is intended to help prospective notaries understand New Jersey notary law, proper notarial procedures, identification requirements, recordkeeping, prohibited acts, and other responsibilities of the office.
Step 2: Pass the Required Examination
After completing the required education, a non-attorney applicant for an initial commission must pass the examination prescribed by the State Treasurer.
The State provides its official education and testing process as part of the commissioning requirements.
Step 3: Submit Your New Jersey Notary Application
Applications for a New Jersey Notary Public commission are submitted electronically through the State's commissioning system.
The application must also receive the endorsement required by New Jersey law from a member of the Legislature.
State fees and procedures can change, so applicants should verify the current amount and instructions directly with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury before submitting an application.
Step 4: Receive Your Commission
Once the State approves the application and commissioning requirements have been satisfied, the applicant receives the notary commission information needed to complete the qualification process.
Receiving the commission is not the final step.
Step 5: Take the Oath of Office
A newly commissioned notary must take and subscribe the required oath of office before the appropriate County Clerk.
Under current New Jersey rules, this must be completed within three months after receiving the commission.
For New Jersey residents, this is generally handled through the County Clerk in the county where the notary resides. Different rules apply to qualifying nonresident notaries.
The County Clerk may charge a separate filing or qualification fee.
Step 6: Prepare to Perform Notarial Acts Correctly
Receiving a commission gives a notary important responsibilities.
Before performing notarizations, a notary should understand topics such as:
• Acceptable identification.
• Acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations.
• Notarial certificates.
• Journal and recordkeeping requirements.
• Prohibited acts and conflicts of interest.
• Remote and electronic notarization requirements when applicable.
• The limits of a notary's authority.
A New Jersey Notary Public who is not an attorney must not represent themselves as an attorney or provide legal advice.
How Long Does a New Jersey Notary Commission Last?
A New Jersey Notary Public commission is issued for a five-year term.
Notaries seeking another commission should review the State's current renewal and continuing-education requirements before their commission expires.
Where Does OG Academy Fit Into the Process?
OG Academy offers supplemental New Jersey notary training and exam preparation designed to help students better understand notarial responsibilities and prepare for the State process.
OG Academy is not the State of New Jersey and does not issue New Jersey Notary Public commissions. Completing an OG Academy course does not replace any education, examination, application, endorsement, oath, or other requirement imposed by the State.
Applicants should complete all official requirements through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.
Official New Jersey Resources
Always verify the latest requirements before applying. The New Jersey Department of the Treasury provides the official Notary Public Manual, education and testing information, application process, and other commissioning resources.
Ready to Learn More?
If you want additional training and exam preparation, explore the OG Academy New Jersey Notary Course.
Information reviewed October 2026. State requirements, fees, procedures, and online systems may change.