NJ Notary Legal Requirements and Qualifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in New Jersey?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- 25 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a New Jersey notary public commission.
Under the New Jersey Notary Public Act, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for appointment as a notary public. This is consistent with the standard threshold of legal adulthood in New Jersey. There is no upper age limit for notary appointments.
Question 2: How long is a New Jersey notary public's term of office?
- 2 years
- 4 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 5 years
A New Jersey notary public is appointed for a term of five years, after which the commission must be renewed.
Under N.J.S.A. 52:7-10, a New Jersey notary public serves a term of five years from the date of appointment. At the end of the term, the notary must apply for reappointment. The notary should monitor their commission expiration date carefully, as performing notarial acts after a commission has expired is improper.
Question 3: What residency or employment requirement must a New Jersey notary public applicant meet?
- Must be a New Jersey resident for at least 5 years
- Must be a NJ resident or employed in NJ (Correct answer)
- Must be a US citizen and NJ resident
- Must own property in New Jersey
Correct answer: Must be a NJ resident or employed in NJ
An applicant must either reside in New Jersey or be employed in New Jersey to qualify for a notary commission.
New Jersey allows both residents of New Jersey and non-residents who are regularly employed in New Jersey to apply for a notary commission. This means someone living in Pennsylvania but working in New Jersey could qualify. The applicant does not need to be a US citizen, and property ownership is not a requirement.
Question 4: The surety bond required for a New Jersey notary public commission must be in what amount?
- $500
- $1,000
- $5,000 (Correct answer)
- $15,000
Correct answer: $5,000
New Jersey requires notary public applicants to obtain a $15,000 surety bond as part of the commission application process.
Under New Jersey law, notary public applicants must obtain a surety bond in the amount of $15,000. This bond protects the public against financial losses caused by the notary's misconduct or negligence. The bond must be filed with the State Treasurer's office as part of the commission application. The notary must maintain the bond for the duration of their commission.
Question 5: A New Jersey notary public applicant who has been convicted of a disqualifying crime may:
- Still receive a commission if 5 years have passed since conviction
- Never be eligible for a notary commission
- Apply for a waiver from the State Treasurer (Correct answer)
- Only notarize documents unrelated to their conviction
Correct answer: Apply for a waiver from the State Treasurer
An applicant with a disqualifying conviction may apply for a waiver from the State Treasurer, who has discretion to grant the commission despite the conviction.
The New Jersey Notary Public Act allows the State Treasurer to deny a commission to an applicant who has been convicted of a crime. However, applicants with disqualifying convictions are not automatically and permanently barred — they may petition the State Treasurer for a waiver. The Treasurer has discretion to grant a commission if the circumstances warrant it. This reflects the Act's intent to balance public protection with individual rehabilitation opportunities.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a requirement listed in the New Jersey Notary Public Act for obtaining a commission?
- Be at least 18 years old
- Obtain a $15,000 surety bond
- Pass a state-administered notary examination (Correct answer)
- Be a NJ resident or employed in NJ
Correct answer: Pass a state-administered notary examination
New Jersey does not require applicants to pass a notary examination to receive a commission. The other options — age, bond, and residency/employment — are statutory requirements.
Unlike some states (such as California), New Jersey does not require applicants to pass a notary examination to obtain a commission. The requirements under the NJ Notary Public Act include being at least 18 years old, residing or being employed in NJ, obtaining a $15,000 surety bond, and submitting a proper application. Training courses are available and encouraged but are not mandated by the Act.
NJ Notary Legal Requirements and Qualifications 2
What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in New Jersey?