What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, attests to the signature on the document, and may also administer oaths and affirmations. The State Treasurer appoints a notary public for a five-year period and may renew the appointment for five-year increments.
How can I become a Notary Public?
Applicants may submit an online application or a hardcopy application by mail.
Online Applications
As of July 2014, applicants can now go online here and apply electronically through the NJ Treasury – Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website, for an additional $5 surcharge. This method ensures faster processing and does not require any paper application or check to be sent to our district offices. Online applicants will be notified via email when the Legislator has approved their application. The status of a pending application can be viewed here.
Once processed, the Notary Public sends the applicant the Commission Certificate and Oath Qualification Certificate. The applicant takes these documents to the County Clerk where he/she resides to be sworn in within three months of the date listed on the commission certificate.
Mailed Applications
Applicants must submit their completed application with the endorsement of a State Legislator and a $25 check made payable to “Treasurer, State of New Jersey” to the Division of Revenue, Notary Public Unit, P.O. Box 452, Trenton, NJ 08646. Once submitted to the Treasurer, mailed applications may take 6 to 8 weeks to be processed.
For residents of the Third Legislative District, hardcopy applications can be mailed or hand delivered to our district offices. Notary candidates do not have to appear in person when delivering the application. If the applicant includes the $25 check, the Third Legislative District office will forward the application onto the Treasurer once the application is signed. If the check is not included, the signed application will be mailed back to the applicant.
Once processed, the Notary Public sends the applicant the Commission Certificate and Oath Qualification Certificate. The applicant takes these documents to the County Clerk where he/she resides to be sworn in within three months of the date listed on the commission certificate.
