Is a notary bond required in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not require a notary public to obtain a surety bond. Notaries are commissioned by the State Treasurer and administered by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Under N.J.S.A. 52:7-11, notaries hold office for a five-year term, applications must be submitted electronically, and each application is endorsed by a member of the Legislature.
New Jersey modernized its notary program through P.L. 2021, c. 179, which allows remote and electronic notarizations, mandates electronic filing of applications, sets identification standards, requires notary journals, establishes stamp and certificate requirements, and requires education and testing for non-attorney notaries. None of these provisions imposes a bond requirement.
How to become a notary in New Jersey
- Confirm eligibility and complete any required education and testing (required for non-attorney notaries under the current law).
- Submit your application electronically through the Division of Revenue’s notary system; the application must be endorsed by a member of the New Jersey Legislature.
- Pay the nonrefundable $25 fee (credit card, debit card, or electronic funds transfer).
- Receive your five-year commission from the State Treasurer.
- Obtain your notary stamp/seal that meets the state’s requirements and set up your notary journal before performing notarizations.
Bond vs. E&O insurance in New Jersey
Because New Jersey requires no bond, there is no state-mandated fund to reimburse the public for a notary’s error. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is entirely optional and protects the notary — not the public — by covering legal defense and settlement costs if a signer claims the notary made a mistake. New Jersey neither requires nor prohibits E&O; carrying it is a personal decision.
Renewing your New Jersey commission
New Jersey commissions run five years, and the statute directs that renewals be made in the same manner as the original application: filed electronically, endorsed by a legislator, and accompanied by the $25 fee. Renew before your current term expires so you can continue notarizing without a lapse. Notaries who advertise their services in a language other than English must include the statutory non-attorney disclaimer.
Remote online notarization in New Jersey
New Jersey allows remote and electronic notarization. An active notary who wants to offer remote or electronic notarizations updates their commission record through the Division of Revenue’s Notary Public application, selecting the remote/electronic notarization option and entering their commission number and date of birth. Notaries should follow the manual and administrative rules for technology, identity-proofing, and recordkeeping.
Non-resident notaries in New Jersey
New Jersey’s statute and Division of Revenue guidance frame the commission around application to the State Treasurer with legislative endorsement. Applicants who are not New Jersey residents should confirm current eligibility and any residency or place-of-business conditions directly with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services before applying.
New Jersey notary FAQs
Does New Jersey require a notary bond?
No. New Jersey does not require a surety bond. Notaries are commissioned by the State Treasurer through the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
How long is a New Jersey notary commission?
New Jersey notaries hold office for a term of five years, and renewals are made the same way as the original application.
What does a New Jersey notary commission cost?
The State Treasurer collects a nonrefundable fee of $25 for each commission or renewal.
Do New Jersey notaries have to take a course or exam?
Yes. Under the 2021 law, non-attorney notaries public are required to complete education and pass testing as part of the commissioning process.
Official sources
- Notary Public Law — New Notary Public Provisions — New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
- N.J.S.A. 52:7-11 — Commission; term; application; renewal — New Jersey Revised Statutes (Justia)
- New Jersey Notary Public Manual — New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
State requirements can change. This page was reviewed on July 29, 2026. Always confirm current requirements with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services before relying on them.