How to Become a Notary in New Jersey

Feb 19

3 min read

A notary public in New Jersey is commissioned by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury and plays a vital role in notarizing documents, administering oaths, and certifying copies. Notaries provide essential services to individuals and businesses, and with the state's approval of Remote Online Notarization (RON), notaries have even more opportunities to expand their services and increase their income.

Why Become a Notary in New Jersey?

Becoming a notary public in New Jersey is a great way to:

✔️ Earn extra income with a flexible schedule

✔️ Provide essential services to individuals and businesses

✔️ Expand your professional skill set and career opportunities

✔️ Take advantage of Remote Online Notarization (RON) for greater reach and flexibility in serving clients

Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle, build a full-time notary business, or add credibility to your existing profession, becoming a notary in New Jersey offers a valuable and rewarding opportunity!

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a notary public in New Jersey, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of New Jersey or work in the state
Have no felony convictions

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Notary in New Jersey

Complete a Notary Application
- Applications must be submitted online through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury’s website.
Pay the Application Fee
- The application fee is $25 and must be paid upon submission.
Take the Oath of Office
- The oath of office must be taken before a county clerk.
Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate
- Once approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate.
Purchase Notary Supplies
- Required supplies include a notary seal/stamp and a notary journal.

Fees for Becoming a Notary in New Jersey

Expense	Cost
Application Fee	$25
Notary Supplies	$50–$150

Total estimated cost: $75–$175

Additional Startup Costs:

Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance – Not required, but recommended to protect against liability claims. Costs: $30–$100 per year.
Business Registration Fees – If registering a business, costs may range from $50–$300.
Website & Marketing Costs – Setting up a professional presence may cost $100–$500.

Renewal Process

New Jersey notary commissions are valid for five years. To renew:

✔️ Submit a renewal application through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.

✔️ Pay the $25 renewal fee.

✔️ Take the oath of office again before the county clerk.

How Much Can a Notary Charge in New Jersey?

The maximum fee is $2.50 per notarization.

Other Ways to Increase Your Earnings as a Notary

While standard fees are set by the state, notaries can charge additional fees for services such as:

Travel Fees – Charge for mobile notary services.
RON Services – Offer Remote Online Notarization for higher fees.
Loan Signing Services – Work with title companies and lenders to complete mortgage signings.
Document Preparation & Shipping – Provide additional value-added services.
After-Hours & Emergency Services – Offer notarization outside regular business hours.