Author Description

The office of the notary public is a vital public function. Notaries public are called upon to perform many valuable services for New Jersey's business, legal and financial communities. Effective notary services help to ensure that documents are properly executed, that facts are duly certified, and above all, that the public is protected from fraud. Notarization is essential for many official documents including mortgages, deeds, contracts, and various corporate transactions. This manual is designed to provide notaries public with practical guidance on how to perform notary services. By following the manual's guidelines, notaries public will operate on a structured procedural foundation and thereby help foster the levels of diligence and accuracy required for the on going success of the office. The Division of Revenue and Enterprise Service’s Business Services Bureau serves as the administrative unit for the Notary Public program in New Jersey. Contents CHAPTER 1. PURPOSE CHAPTER 2. DEFINITIONS CHAPTER 3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE, SCOPE OF AUTHORITY AND PROHIBITED ACTS Eligibility Criteria Scope of Authority Prohibitions CHAPTER 4. NOTARY COMMISSIONING PROCESS Application Procedures Commissioning of Nonresidents, Additional Requirements Name Change, Filing Evidence of Continuance of Powers and Privileges CHAPTER 5. DENIAL, REVOCATION, SUSPENSION OR LIMITATION OF A COMMISSION Reasons for Denial, Revocation, Suspension or Limitation CHAPTER 6. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTARIAL ACTS Certificates and Stamps Requirement for Individuals Unable to Sign Certificate Forms Journal Requirement CHAPTER 7. FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION AND COPY CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Copy Certification Requirements Forms of Identification CHAPTER 8. USE OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY General Provisions and Definitions Requirements for Notarial Acts Using Communication Technology Taking an Acknowledgement When a Record is in the Possession of the Notary Public Performing a Notarial Act W