New Jersey Notary Public Exam Overview
The New Jersey Notary Public Exam is administered on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Treasury. New Jersey offers one of the most unique exam formats in the nation: it's an open-book exam with an incredibly low $2.50 exam fee.
Passing this exam qualifies you to become a New Jersey Notary Public—serving over 9.3 million residents in one of the most densely populated states with strong demand in real estate, business, and legal services.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 50 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 75 minutes |
| Passing Score | 80% (40 correct answers) |
| Exam Fee | $2.50 |
| Education Required | 6-hour approved course |
| Commission Term | 5 years |
| Surety Bond | $2,500 required |
| Exam Format | Open-book |
Why Become a New Jersey Notary?
- Open-book exam — Reference the handbook during the test
- Lowest exam fee — Only $2.50 (cheapest in nation)
- Large population — Over 9.3 million potential clients
- 5-year commission — Longer than most states
- RON authorized — Remote Online Notarization available
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. Notary Fundamentals (20%)
Commission Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- New Jersey resident
- United States citizen or lawful resident
- Complete 6-hour approved education course
- No disqualifying criminal history
- Apply through the Department of Treasury
Appointment Process:
- Complete approved 6-hour training course
- Pass examination (open-book)
- Submit application to Treasury Department
- Pay application fee
- Obtain $2,500 surety bond
- Take oath of office
Oath of Office:
- Must take oath before county clerk
- Filed in county of residence
- Swear to faithfully perform duties
- Commission begins upon filing
2. Types of Notarial Acts (30%)
Acknowledgments:
- Signer acknowledges signing voluntarily
- Most common notarial act
- Used for deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney
- No oath required
Jurats:
- Signer swears or affirms content is true
- Must sign in notary's presence
- Notary administers oath or affirmation
- Common for affidavits
Oaths and Affirmations:
- Administered for various purposes
- May be verbal without document
- Used for depositions, witness oaths
- Affirmation for religious objections
Proofs of Execution:
- Third party proves another signed
- Subscribing witness procedure
- Used when signer cannot appear
- Specific requirements under NJ law
3. New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 52 (25%)
Key Legal Provisions:
- N.J.S.A. 52:7-10 — Appointment of notaries
- N.J.S.A. 52:7-11 — Qualifications
- N.J.S.A. 52:7-14 — Powers and duties
- N.J.S.A. 52:7-17 — Prohibited acts
- N.J.S.A. 52:7-21 — Fees
Prohibited Acts:
- Cannot notarize your own signature
- Cannot act with financial interest
- Cannot certify vital records
- Cannot practice law
- Cannot notarize incomplete documents
Penalties for Misconduct:
- Commission revocation
- Civil liability
- Criminal charges for fraud
- Fines and penalties
4. Electronic and Remote Notarization (10%)
Remote Online Notarization (RON):
- New Jersey authorizes RON
- Audio-visual technology required
- Identity verification required
- Credential analysis
- Additional registration may be required
Electronic Signatures:
- Electronic signatures accepted
- Tamper-evident technology
- Electronic journal requirements
- Platform requirements
5. Identification and Procedures (15%)
Satisfactory Evidence:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Valid and unexpired
- New Jersey driver's license or ID
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
Personal Knowledge:
- Notary personally knows the signer
- Based on long-term familiarity
- Most reliable form of identification
- Should document basis
Credible Witness:
- One credible witness who knows signer
- Witness must present acceptable ID
- Used when signer lacks ID
- Witness swears to signer's identity
6. Records and Fees (5%)
Journal Requirements:
- Journal recommended but not required
- Required for electronic notarization
- Many notaries keep voluntary records
- Best practice for protection
New Jersey Fee Schedule:
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $2.50 |
| Jurat | $2.50 |
| Oath or affirmation | $2.50 |
| Proof of execution | $2.50 |
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Complete 6-hour education course | 6 |
| Week 1-2 | Notary fundamentals | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Types of notarial acts | 3-4 |
| Week 2-3 | N.J.S.A. Title 52 provisions | 3-4 |
| Week 3 | Electronic and RON notarization | 2-3 |
| Week 3-4 | Identification and procedures | 2-3 |
| Week 4 | Practice exams and review | 3-4 |
Total recommended study time: 22-28 hours (including required course)
🎯 Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the New Jersey Notary exam.
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New Jersey-Specific Exam Tips
1. Take Advantage of Open-Book Format
New Jersey allows reference materials:
- Bring the official handbook
- Know where information is located
- Don't rely solely on open-book—study thoroughly
- Organize your materials for quick reference
2. Understand the Low Fee Structure
New Jersey has the lowest fees:
- $2.50 exam fee
- $2.50 maximum per notarial act
- Low $2,500 bond requirement
- Cost-effective entry to profession
3. Know N.J.S.A. Title 52 Chapter 7
New Jersey's notary laws are in Title 52:
- Know key section numbers (52:7-10 through 52:7-21)
- Understand appointment procedures
- Memorize prohibited acts
- Know fee limitations
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | New Jersey Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 80% (40/50) |
| Education | 6 hours |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Bond amount | $2,500 |
| Max fee per act | $2.50 |
| Exam fee | $2.50 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-relying on open-book — Still need to know material
- Skipping N.J.S.A. Title 52 — Core of exam content
- Missing 80% threshold — Higher than some states
- Forgetting 6-hour course — Mandatory education
- Not organizing reference materials — Open-book requires organization
- Underestimating preparation — 50 questions is substantial
After Passing Your Exam
- Complete application to Treasury Department
- Pay application fee to state
- Obtain $2,500 surety bond from approved provider
- Take oath of office before county clerk
- File oath and bond in county of residence
- Obtain notary stamp meeting state requirements
- Begin your notary practice — Commission valid 5 years
2026 New Jersey Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Remote Online Notarization updates
- Electronic notarization requirements
- N.J.S.A. Title 52 amendments
- Fee schedule reviews
Start Your New Jersey Notary Career Today
The New Jersey Notary Public commission offers unique advantages: an open-book exam format, the lowest exam fee in the nation ($2.50), and a 5-year commission term. With proper preparation, you can pass the exam on your first attempt.
→ Begin FREE New Jersey Notary Exam Prep Now
Our free study materials include:
- ✅ Complete topic coverage
- ✅ Practice questions with explanations
- ✅ N.J.S.A. Title 52 specifics
- ✅ Study guides and summaries
- ✅ AI-powered study assistance
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