Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a resident of New Jersey OR employed by an NJ-based business
- No citizenship requirement—legal residents of any status may apply
- Must complete a 6-hour approved education course (non-attorneys)
- Must pass the written examination with 80% or higher
Basic Qualifications
Becoming a New Jersey notary public requires meeting specific qualifications established by state law (P.L. 2021, c. 179). New Jersey modernized its notary requirements in 2022, adding mandatory education and exam requirements for new applicants.
Who Can Become a New Jersey Notary?
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. There is no maximum age limit for becoming or remaining a notary public.
Residency or Employment Requirement
You must meet ONE of the following:
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| NJ Resident | Reside in New Jersey |
| Adjoining State Resident | Live in NY, PA, or DE but work in NJ |
| Remote Employee | Work remotely for an NJ-based business |
Important Clarification: If you live in New York, Pennsylvania, or Delaware but maintain or are regularly employed in an office in New Jersey, you CAN become a New Jersey notary. Remote employees also qualify if their employer has its domicile or primary place of business in New Jersey.
No Citizenship Requirement
Unlike some states, New Jersey does NOT have a citizenship requirement:
| Status | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen | Yes |
| Permanent Resident | Yes |
| Visa Holder (any status) | Yes |
| No Documentation Required | Yes |
Key Point: New Jersey is one of the most accessible states for notary applications—there is no citizenship or immigration status requirement.
Character Requirements
You must NOT have been convicted of a crime involving:
- Dishonesty
- Fraud
- Deceit
- Misrepresentation
The State Treasurer has discretion to deny applications based on criminal history that suggests the applicant may not perform notarial duties with honesty and integrity.
Education Requirement (Non-Attorneys)
New Jersey requires new applicants (non-attorneys) to complete:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 6 hours |
| Course Type | Approved by State Treasurer |
| Topics Covered | NJ Notary Public Manual content |
| Proof Required | Certificate of completion |
After completing the course, you must:
- Read the New Jersey Notary Public Manual
- Watch all official training videos
- Attest that you completed these requirements
Exam Requirement
After completing the education requirement:
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Questions | 50 multiple-choice |
| Passing Score | 80% (40 correct) |
| Time Allowed | 75 minutes |
| Format | Online, open-book |
| Fee | $2.50 (includes 3 attempts) |
No Surety Bond Required
Unlike many states, New Jersey does NOT require notaries to obtain a surety bond. However, many notaries voluntarily purchase errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for personal liability protection.
On the Exam
Expect 3-4 questions on basic qualifications. Key points frequently tested:
- Age requirement: 18 years old
- Residency: Must be NJ resident OR work in NJ
- Citizenship: NOT required in New Jersey
- Education: 6-hour course required (non-attorneys)
- Bond: NOT required in New Jersey
What is the minimum age to become a New Jersey notary public?
Is U.S. citizenship required to become a New Jersey notary?
Is a surety bond required for New Jersey notaries?