New Jersey Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Under the New Jersey Notary Public Act, what is the primary duty of a notary public when performing a notarial act?

To guarantee the accuracy of the document's content
To provide legal advice to the signer
To verify the identity of the signer and ensure willingness and awareness (Correct answer)
To witness the signing without any verification

Correct answer: To verify the identity of the signer and ensure willingness and awareness

A notary's primary duty is to verify the identity of the signer and confirm the signer is willing and aware of what they are signing. The notary does not guarantee document content or provide legal advice.

Question 2: A New Jersey notary is asked to perform a notarial act for a document that will be used outside the United States. What additional step may be required?

The notary must obtain foreign notarial authorization
The document may require an apostille or authentication for use abroad (Correct answer)
The notary must personally deliver the document to the foreign country
No additional steps are needed — NJ notarizations are internationally recognized

Correct answer: The document may require an apostille or authentication for use abroad

Documents notarized in NJ that will be used in foreign countries may require an apostille or certificate of authentication to be recognized in the destination country.

Question 3: Under New Jersey law, what is the key difference between an oath and an affirmation administered by a notary?

An oath is legally binding; an affirmation is not
An affirmation requires a witness; an oath does not
An oath references a divine being; an affirmation is a solemn declaration without religious reference (Correct answer)
An oath can only be administered by judges in NJ

Correct answer: An oath references a divine being; an affirmation is a solemn declaration without religious reference

An oath is a solemn promise invoking a divine being, while an affirmation is a legally equivalent solemn declaration without religious reference, for those who object to taking oaths.

Question 4: Under New Jersey law, how must a notary public's official seal or stamp be designed?

It must be a round embossed seal only
It can be any design chosen by the notary, with no specific requirements
It must display the state seal of New Jersey prominently
It must include the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public, State of New Jersey,' and the commission expiration date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It must include the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public, State of New Jersey,' and the commission expiration date

New Jersey requires the official notarial seal to include the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public, State of New Jersey,' and the commission expiration date.

Question 5: Under New Jersey RON law, if the audio-visual connection fails during a remote notarization session, what must the notary do?

Pause and not complete the notarial act until the connection is fully restored (Correct answer)
Switch to a telephone call to complete the verbal portions of the act
Proceed if at least audio (but not video) remains active
Complete the notarial act based on what was accomplished before the failure

Correct answer: Pause and not complete the notarial act until the connection is fully restored

NJ RON requires continuous two-way audio-visual communication throughout the notarial act. If the connection fails, the notary must pause until the connection is fully restored before proceeding.

Question 6: What is the recommended best practice for storing a New Jersey notary's official journal?

In an unlocked desk drawer for easy access
Filed with the employer's business records for joint access
In a secure location accessible only to the notary (Correct answer)
Emailed to the State Treasurer's office for safekeeping

Correct answer: In a secure location accessible only to the notary

The notary's journal should be stored in a secure location accessible only to the notary to protect the privacy of all signers and prevent fraudulent entries.

Question 7: After a New Jersey notary public commission is issued, the notary must file their signature and notarial seal impression with:

The New Jersey State Treasurer's office
The New Jersey Superior Court
No additional filing is required after the commission is issued (Correct answer)
The county clerk in each county where they plan to notarize

Correct answer: No additional filing is required after the commission is issued

Under the current NJ Notary Public Act, there is no requirement for the notary to file their seal or signature with the county clerk or any additional office after receiving their commission.

Question 8: Which of the following ID types would NOT constitute satisfactory evidence of identity under New Jersey's Notary Public Act?

A recent utility bill with the signer's name and address (Correct answer)
A valid U.S. military ID card with photo
A valid state-issued photo ID card
A valid foreign passport with photo and serial number

Correct answer: A recent utility bill with the signer's name and address

A utility bill is not a government-issued photo ID and does not contain a photograph, physical description, or serial number. It does not meet NJ's requirements for satisfactory evidence of identity.

Question 9: Which of the following actions is a required duty of a New Jersey notary when completing a jurat?

Verify the document was prepared by an attorney
Administer an oath or affirmation to the signer (Correct answer)
Verify the document was signed in the notary's home county
Record the document in the county land records

Correct answer: Administer an oath or affirmation to the signer

A jurat requires the notary to administer an oath or affirmation to the signer, who swears or affirms the truth of the document's contents.

Question 10: Which type of insurance specifically protects a New Jersey notary public from financial loss resulting from their own unintentional mistakes?

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance (Correct answer)
Workers' compensation insurance
Surety bond
General liability insurance

Correct answer: Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is designed to protect the notary themselves from personal financial loss caused by unintentional notarial errors.

Question 11: Under New Jersey law, which of the following is an acceptable form of identification for a document signer appearing before a notary?

A credit card with the signer's name
A voter registration card with no photo
A current U.S. passport (Correct answer)
An expired driver's license with clear photo

Correct answer: A current U.S. passport

A current (unexpired) U.S. passport is government-issued photo ID and is acceptable satisfactory evidence of identity. Expired IDs and non-photo IDs generally are not acceptable.

Question 12: In New Jersey, an oath administered by a notary public in connection with a notarial act has the same legal effect as an oath administered by:

A notary public in the signer's home state
Any public officer authorized to administer oaths (Correct answer)
The Governor of New Jersey
Only a Superior Court judge

Correct answer: Any public officer authorized to administer oaths

Oaths administered by New Jersey notaries have the same legal effect as oaths administered by any other public officer authorized to administer oaths.

Question 13: If a signer has already signed a document before appearing before a New Jersey notary, the notary can still perform:

A jurat but not an acknowledgment
Both acts without restriction
An acknowledgment but not a jurat (Correct answer)
Neither act — the signer must re-sign

Correct answer: An acknowledgment but not a jurat

For an acknowledgment, prior signing is acceptable because the signer acknowledges the signature as their own; a jurat requires signing in the notary's presence.

Question 14: If a New Jersey notary's commission is revoked, what generally happens to their surety bond?

The bond continues in force until its original expiration date
The bond is automatically terminated and premiums are refunded
The bond remains in force and the bonding company may still face claims for acts committed during the commission period (Correct answer)
The county clerk voids the bond immediately

Correct answer: The bond remains in force and the bonding company may still face claims for acts committed during the commission period

Revocation of the commission ends the notary's authority going forward, but the surety bond can still be subject to claims for notarial acts performed while the commission was valid.

Question 15: A New Jersey notary is preparing to perform a remote online notarization (RON) for a signer they do not personally know. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for identifying the remotely located individual?

A credible witness known to the notary must be physically present with the signer.
The use of at least two different types of identity proofing, such as KBA and biometric verification. (Correct answer)
The signer must present one form of government-issued photo ID during the audio-visual session.
The signer must answer a series of knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions.

Correct answer: The use of at least two different types of identity proofing, such as KBA and biometric verification.

New Jersey law requires a robust identity verification process for remote notarizations when the notary does not have personal knowledge of the signer. The law specifies the use of at least two different types of identity proofing processes or services. Common methods include knowledge-based authentication (KBA), biometric identity verification, or a digital public key certificate. Simply presenting one ID is insufficient for a remote session.

Question 16: When using a credible witness to identify a signer in New Jersey, what must the notary's journal record about the credible witness?

The witness's social security number for identification
Only the witness's phone number for follow-up
Sufficient information to identify the credible witness and the basis for using them (Correct answer)
Nothing — credible witness use does not require a journal entry

Correct answer: Sufficient information to identify the credible witness and the basis for using them

The notary's journal should record sufficient information about the credible witness — including their identity — and note that a credible witness was used to identify the signer.

Question 17: What is required for a New Jersey Notary Public to maintain their commission?

Passing a written exam annually
Completing continuing education courses
Maintaining a certain number of notarizations each year
Being of good moral character (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Being of good moral character

A fundamental requirement for both obtaining and maintaining a Notary Public commission in New Jersey is possessing good moral character. This criterion ensures that the individual can be trusted to perform their duties impartially, honestly, and with integrity, upholding the public trust associated with the office. It's a continuous expectation throughout their commission.

Question 18: A New Jersey notary public's commission automatically terminates upon:

Changing employers while employed in NJ
Moving to another county within New Jersey
The notary's death or resignation (Correct answer)
The notary's 70th birthday

Correct answer: The notary's death or resignation

A New Jersey notary commission automatically terminates upon the notary's death or voluntary resignation. The commission is personal to the individual and cannot be transferred.

Question 19: A New Jersey notary receives a completed document in the mail with a request to notarize the already-affixed signature. The notary did not witness the signing. What should the notary do?

Notarize it if the document is sent by a reputable company
Notarize it if the signer calls to confirm the signature
Refuse to notarize since personal appearance is required (Correct answer)
Notarize it if the signature looks authentic

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize since personal appearance is required

Notarizing a signature the notary did not witness in person violates the personal appearance requirement. A phone call or the document's appearance does not substitute for personal presence.

Question 20: What is a notary public in New Jersey NOT authorized to do?

Certify copies of documents
Administer oaths
Witness signatures
Practice law or give legal advice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Practice law or give legal advice

Unless the notary is also a licensed attorney, they may not practice law or give legal advice. This is strictly prohibited for non-attorney notaries.

Question 21: A New Jersey notary public who discovers they made an error in a previously completed notarial certificate should:

Destroy the original document and issue a corrected version
Alter the existing certificate using correction fluid
Contact the document principals and take appropriate corrective steps (Correct answer)
Ignore the error if the document has already been submitted

Correct answer: Contact the document principals and take appropriate corrective steps

When an error is discovered, the notary should contact the relevant parties and follow proper procedures for correction, which may include re-performing the notarial act with a corrected certificate.

Question 22: A New Jersey notary who is asked to notarize a document for their spouse should:

Proceed but waive any fee
Decline since notarizing for family members is prohibited (Correct answer)
Notarize only if a disinterested witness is present
Proceed since spouses have no legal conflicts of interest

Correct answer: Decline since notarizing for family members is prohibited

New Jersey law prohibits a notary from notarizing documents for immediate family members, including a spouse, because the notary's impartiality cannot be assured.

Question 23: A New Jersey notary notarizes 5 separate signatures on a document at one appointment. What is the maximum total fee the notary may charge?

$25.00 as a reasonable professional fee
$5.00 total regardless of the number of acts
$2.50 total for the entire appointment
$12.50 total ($2.50 per act × 5 acts) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $12.50 total ($2.50 per act × 5 acts)

The maximum fee applies per notarial act. If 5 separate notarial acts are performed, the notary may charge up to $2.50 per act, for a maximum of $12.50 total.

Question 24: A New Jersey notary public is asked by their employer to notarize documents that benefit the employer's business, for which the notary has a personal financial interest. What is the ethical requirement?

The notary may proceed if no fee is charged
The notary may proceed if the employer gives written permission
The notary may proceed since employer instructions take priority
The notary must disclose the conflict and decline the notarization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary must disclose the conflict and decline the notarization

A notary with a personal financial interest in a transaction should disclose the conflict and decline to notarize, as impartiality is a core ethical obligation.

Question 25: What is the primary duty of a New Jersey Notary Public regarding ethical conduct?

To charge the highest possible fees
To uphold the law (Correct answer)
To act in their own best interest
To notarize documents quickly

Correct answer: To uphold the law

The primary duty of a New Jersey Notary Public regarding ethical conduct is to uphold the law. Notaries are public officials entrusted with preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of documents, which requires strict adherence to all state statutes and regulations governing their office. This overarching responsibility guides all their actions and decisions.

Question 26: A signer later denies ever appearing before a New Jersey notary. What evidence would best protect the notary?

A sworn statement prepared by the notary after the dispute arises
The notarial certificate with the notary seal
A journal entry with the signer signature and identification details recorded at the time of the act (Correct answer)
A copy of the notarized document

Correct answer: A journal entry with the signer signature and identification details recorded at the time of the act

A contemporaneous journal entry containing the signer's own signature and identification details is the strongest evidence that the signer appeared before the notary.

Question 27: Under New Jersey law, the authority to set and regulate the maximum fees for notarial acts is granted to which entity?

The County Clerk
The State Treasurer (Correct answer)
The Governor's Office
The State Legislature

Correct answer: The State Treasurer

According to N.J.S.A. 22A:4-14, the fees for notarial services 'shall be fixed by the State Treasurer by regulation.' This authority was clarified in the laws that became effective in October 2021.

Question 28: Which of the following is a notarial act authorized under New Jersey law?

Certifying a copy of a vital record issued by the state
Providing a legal opinion on a document
Taking an acknowledgment of a signature (Correct answer)
Drafting a contract for the signer

Correct answer: Taking an acknowledgment of a signature

Taking an acknowledgment is a classic notarial act authorized under New Jersey law. Drafting contracts and providing legal opinions are the practice of law; certifying vital records is reserved for the issuing government agency.

Question 29: A New Jersey notary is presented with a foreign national ID from a country the notary is unfamiliar with. What should the notary consider?

Whether the signer can provide a second piece of non-photo ID to supplement
Foreign IDs are never acceptable under NJ law
Only IDs from English-speaking countries are acceptable
Whether the ID appears to be government-issued, contains a photo, and appears current and authentic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Whether the ID appears to be government-issued, contains a photo, and appears current and authentic

New Jersey law does not limit acceptable IDs to US-issued documents. A foreign government-issued photo ID that appears current and authentic can qualify as satisfactory evidence of identity.

Question 30: Which of the following is an appropriate example of wording for an affirmation administered by a New Jersey notary?

"Do you solemnly affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury that the statements in this document are true?" (Correct answer)
"Do you acknowledge that you signed this document willingly for the purposes stated within?"
"Do you swear under God that the contents of this document are true?"
"Do you certify that you have read and understood every clause within this document?"

Correct answer: "Do you solemnly affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury that the statements in this document are true?"

An affirmation is a solemn promise that does not reference a deity. The wording "Do you solemnly affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury that the statements in this document are true?" is a correct example provided in the New Jersey Notary Public Manual.

Question 31: What is the purpose of the commission expiration date being included on a New Jersey notary's official seal?

To identify which county the notary is registered in
To allow document recipients to verify the notary's commission was valid at the time of the act (Correct answer)
To track the number of notarial acts performed
To enforce the maximum fee schedule automatically

Correct answer: To allow document recipients to verify the notary's commission was valid at the time of the act

Including the commission expiration date on the seal allows document recipients to verify that the notary's commission was active and valid on the date the notarial act was performed.

Question 32: Under New Jersey law, a notary public who suspects a signer is using a stolen or fraudulent identity document should:

Ask the signer to explain the discrepancy in writing
Confiscate the document until authorities can be notified
Decline to perform the notarial act and consider reporting to law enforcement (Correct answer)
Perform the notarization quickly before the signer leaves

Correct answer: Decline to perform the notarial act and consider reporting to law enforcement

If the notary suspects fraud or identity theft, they must decline the notarial act. They may also consider reporting their suspicions to law enforcement.

Question 33: A New Jersey notary is asked to administer an oath to a deponent for a deposition. Which statement accurately describes the notary's authority in this situation?

The notary is authorized to administer oaths to witnesses and deponents as part of their official duties. (Correct answer)
The notary may only administer the oath if they are also a licensed attorney.
The notary must obtain special permission from the County Clerk before administering an oath for a deposition.
The notary is authorized to administer the oath but cannot charge a fee for this specific service.

Correct answer: The notary is authorized to administer oaths to witnesses and deponents as part of their official duties.

New Jersey notaries are explicitly authorized to administer oaths and affirmations for various purposes, including swearing in witnesses for depositions. This is a standard notarial act permitted by state law.

Question 34: Which of the following must be included in the notarial certificate for an act performed using communication technology in New Jersey?

The physical address of the remotely located individual.
A statement indicating the notarial act was performed using communication technology. (Correct answer)
The name of the specific audio-visual technology provider used.
The IP addresses of both the notary and the signer.

Correct answer: A statement indicating the notarial act was performed using communication technology.

When a notarial act is performed remotely, the certificate must explicitly state that fact. The law requires the certificate to include a statement indicating that the notarial act was performed using communication technology. While the notary's journal would contain more detailed information, this specific statement is required on the notarial certificate itself.

Question 35: In New Jersey, an acknowledgment certifies that the signer:

Appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing the document (Correct answer)
Had their signature witnessed by two people
Was identified solely by a notary's personal knowledge
Swore the contents of the document are true

Correct answer: Appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing the document

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer personally appeared before the notary and acknowledged that they signed the document voluntarily.

Question 36: Which of the following actions constitutes the unauthorized practice of law by a New Jersey notary?

Refusing to notarize an incomplete document.
Recommending that a signer use a jurat instead of an acknowledgment for their document. (Correct answer)
Explaining the steps involved in an acknowledgment.
Charging the maximum fee allowed by the State Treasurer for administering an oath.

Correct answer: Recommending that a signer use a jurat instead of an acknowledgment for their document.

A notary public who is not an attorney is strictly prohibited from giving legal advice. Recommending a specific notarial certificate, such as a jurat over an acknowledgment, constitutes giving legal advice because it involves interpreting the needs of the document and the legal effect of the certificate. Notaries may only explain the features of the different notarial acts, but the signer must choose.

Question 37: What should a New Jersey Notary Public do with their journal upon resignation or expiration of their commission?

Destroy the journal
Return it to the state notary commission office
Keep it as a personal record
Turn it over to the county clerk's office (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Turn it over to the county clerk's office

Upon resignation or expiration of their commission, a New Jersey Notary Public is legally required to turn over their journal to the county clerk's office in the county where they were commissioned. This ensures that a permanent, official record of all notarial acts remains accessible for public record and accountability. Destroying or keeping the journal is not permitted.

Question 38: Under New Jersey law, a notary public may NOT refuse a notarial act based on which of the following?

The document appearing to be fraudulent
The signer's failure to provide satisfactory identification
The notary's reasonable belief that the act would be unlawful
The signer's race, religion, or national origin (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The signer's race, religion, or national origin

Refusing a notarial act based on the signer's race, religion, or national origin is discriminatory and unlawful. The other options are legitimate legal grounds for refusal.

Question 39: What is the minimum age requirement to become a Notary Public in New Jersey?

21 years old
25 years old
30 years old
18 years old (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 18 years old

To become a Notary Public in New Jersey, an applicant must meet specific eligibility requirements, one of which is being at least 18 years of age. This ensures that the individual is considered an adult and legally competent to assume the responsibilities and duties of a notary commission. This age requirement is standard for many public offices.

Question 40: Which behavior reflects proper ethical conduct for a New Jersey notary public?

Completing a notarial certificate before the signer appears
Refusing to notarize based on personal disagreement with the document's purpose
Treating all signers equally regardless of the document's content (Correct answer)
Notarizing a blank document to save the signer time

Correct answer: Treating all signers equally regardless of the document's content

Impartiality is a core ethical duty. A notary must treat all signers equally and may not discriminate or refuse based on personal disagreement with lawful document content.

Question 41: Under New Jersey law, what constitutes 'satisfactory evidence of identity' for a notarial act?

A signed statement from the signer's employer
Any two forms of non-photo identification
A government-issued photo ID, oath of a credible witness, or personal knowledge of the notary (Correct answer)
A utility bill with the signer's name and address

Correct answer: A government-issued photo ID, oath of a credible witness, or personal knowledge of the notary

New Jersey accepts government-issued photo ID, a credible witness's oath, or the notary's personal knowledge of the signer as satisfactory evidence of identity.

Question 42: A New Jersey notary charges $2.50 for an acknowledgment. For the same appointment, they also administer an oath for a separate document. How much may the notary charge for both acts combined?

$2.50 total — all acts in one appointment count as one
$10.00 total — oaths require a premium fee in NJ
$7.50 total — the oath carries a higher fee
$5.00 total — $2.50 per notarial act (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $5.00 total — $2.50 per notarial act

Each notarial act is priced separately at up to $2.50. Two distinct notarial acts (one acknowledgment and one jurat/oath) may be charged at up to $2.50 each, totaling $5.00.

Question 43: In New Jersey, who sponsors or endorses a notary public commission application?

The applicant's current employer must co-sign the application
A sitting judge in the applicant's home county must endorse the application
The applicant applies on their own; no sponsor or endorser is required (Correct answer)
A sitting NJ notary with 5+ years experience must vouch for the applicant

Correct answer: The applicant applies on their own; no sponsor or endorser is required

New Jersey does not require a sponsor, endorser, or co-signer for notary applications. Applicants apply on their own to the State Treasurer's office.

Question 44: Under New Jersey law, in what format may a notary's official seal be used?

Embossed seal only — inked stamps are not permitted
Either an inked stamp or an embossed seal, as long as it produces a legible impression (Correct answer)
Any self-designed mark accepted by both parties
Inked rubber stamp only — embossed seals are not permitted

Correct answer: Either an inked stamp or an embossed seal, as long as it produces a legible impression

New Jersey permits notaries to use either an inked stamp or an embossed seal, provided the impression is legible and reproducible and contains all required information.

Question 45: If a New Jersey notary's journal is stolen or destroyed, what should the notary do?

Notify the State Treasurer and file a report about the loss or destruction (Correct answer)
Replace the lost journal with a new blank journal immediately, with no further action required
Reconstruct the journal from memory within 30 days
Notify only the most recent signers listed in the journal

Correct answer: Notify the State Treasurer and file a report about the loss or destruction

A notary whose journal is lost, stolen, or destroyed should notify the State Treasurer and take appropriate steps to report the incident, as journal records are official documents.

Question 46: How does New Jersey ensure notaries remain accountable for their conduct throughout their commission term?

Annual performance reviews by the State Treasurer
Mandatory annual continuing education requirements
Quarterly reporting of all notarial acts to the state
The requirement for a $15,000 surety bond that can be claimed against for misconduct (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The requirement for a $15,000 surety bond that can be claimed against for misconduct

The $15,000 surety bond provides a financial accountability mechanism — members of the public can file claims against the bond if they suffer harm due to the notary's misconduct.

Question 47: When performing a copy certification in New Jersey, what must the notary certify?

That the original document is legally valid
That the copy will be accepted by all government agencies
That the original was notarized by a licensed notary
That the copy is a true, correct, and complete reproduction of the original (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That the copy is a true, correct, and complete reproduction of the original

A copy certification means the notary certifies that the copy they are certifying is a true, correct, and complete reproduction of the original document presented to them.

Question 48: Under New Jersey law, is a paper notarial journal mandatory for all traditional (in-person) notarizations?

Yes, a paper journal is required for all traditional notarizations
Yes, but only for real estate transactions
No, and keeping a journal is discouraged in NJ
No, a journal is not required by statute for traditional acts, but is strongly recommended (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, a journal is not required by statute for traditional acts, but is strongly recommended

New Jersey does not mandate a paper journal for all traditional notarizations, though it is strongly recommended as best practice. A journal is required for Remote Online Notarization.

Question 49: What language must a New Jersey notary use when certifying that an oath or affirmation was administered on a notarial certificate?

'Signed in my presence'
'Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me' (Correct answer)
'Acknowledged before me'
'Verified and certified by me'

Correct answer: 'Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me'

The standard certification language for a jurat in New Jersey is 'Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me,' indicating the signer signed in the notary's presence and took an oath.

Question 50: In New Jersey, who has the authority to prescribe the form of notarial certificates?

Each notary individually
The New Jersey Legislature via the Notaries Public Act (Correct answer)
The federal government
Individual counties

Correct answer: The New Jersey Legislature via the Notaries Public Act

The New Jersey Notaries Public Act provides the statutory forms and language that notarial certificates must follow.

Question 51: In New Jersey, when performing electronic notarization, what additional record-keeping requirement applies compared to traditional notarization?

Electronic notarizations do not require any records to be kept
The notary must maintain an electronic journal and an audio-visual recording of the session (Correct answer)
Only paper journals are acceptable for electronic notarization records
Records must be filed with the state within 24 hours

Correct answer: The notary must maintain an electronic journal and an audio-visual recording of the session

For electronic and remote online notarizations in NJ, notaries must maintain an electronic journal of acts and retain audio-visual recordings of the remote notarization sessions.

Question 52: A New Jersey notary performs a notarial act. According to state law, which of the following is a mandatory action the notary must take?

Record the transaction in a permanently bound journal. (Correct answer)
Obtain a thumbprint from the signer.
Charge a fee for the notarial service.
Use a blue ink pad for the official stamp.

Correct answer: Record the transaction in a permanently bound journal.

New Jersey law mandates that every notary public must keep a journal of all notarial acts performed. The journal can be a physical, permanently bound book or a permanent, tamper-evident electronic format. While ink color, fees, and thumbprints are aspects of notarization in some states, only the journal is a universal requirement in New Jersey (with a limited exception for attorneys using regular business records).

Question 53: Under New Jersey law, a notary who knowingly notarizes a forged signature is guilty of:

Nothing — the notary is only responsible for verifying identity, not forgery detection
Only a civil wrong for which the notary must pay damages
A minor administrative infraction only
Criminal fraud and potentially other criminal offenses (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Criminal fraud and potentially other criminal offenses

Knowingly notarizing a forged signature constitutes criminal fraud. The notary is certifying that someone signed a document knowing the signature is forged.

New Jersey Notary Public Exam

The New Jersey Notary Public Exam tests applicants on NJ notary laws, notarial acts, identification requirements, recordkeeping, fees, ethical conduct, and electronic notarization as required by the NJ Department of the Treasury.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

80%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

nj.gov — Fees · verified Oct 2026
njportal.com — Test delivery, renewal · verified Oct 2026
nj.accessgov.com — Exam format, passing score, score release, test dates, time limit, score validity · verified Oct 2026