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?

Applications to become a Notary Public can be found online at the New Jersey Division of Revenue website here.  Applicants must submit their application with a $25 check made payable to “Treasurer, State of New Jersey.”

Applications also require the endorsement of the applicant’s State Legislator.  After the application is completed and endorsed, the application is sent with the payment to the Division of Revenue, Notary Public Unit, P.O. Box 452, Trenton, NJ 08646.  Once submitted to the Treasurer, applications may take 6 to 8 weeks to be processed.

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.

Where can I have my application endorsed?

For residents of the Third Legislative District, 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.