NJ Notary Exam 2026/2027 Questions and Answers 100%
Correct
New Jersey Department of the Treasury | P.L. 2021, c.179 | N.J.A.C. 17:50
100 Multiple-Choice Questions | 100% Correct | NJ Department of the Treasury | P.L. 2021, c.179 | N.J.A.C. 17:50
Section 1: Commission Requirements and Qualifications
(Age, Residency, Employment, Character, Application, Term, & Non-Resident Rules) - Q1-Q15
Q1. A 17-year-old resident of New Jersey who works part-time at a law firm wishes to apply for a notary public
commission. According to NJ notary law, what is the minimum age requirement for appointment as a notary public
in New Jersey?
A. 16 years of age at time of appointment
B. 18 years of age at time of appointment [CORRECT]
C. 21 years of age at time of appointment
D. There is no age requirement under NJ law
Correct Answer: B. 18 years of age at time of appointment
Rationale: Under P.L. 2021, c.179 and the NJ Notary Public Manual, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of
appointment to qualify for a notary commission. A 17-year-old does not meet the minimum age threshold. The 21-year-old and
"no age requirement" distractors reflect common misconceptions; NJ sets the threshold at 18, not 21, and the age requirement is
mandatory. The age rule ensures legal capacity to execute binding notarial acts.
Q2. An applicant resides in Pennsylvania but works full-time at a law office located in Newark, New Jersey. The
applicant wants to know if they qualify for a NJ notary commission. Which statement is correct under P.L. 2021,
c.179?
A. Only NJ legal residents may be commissioned; the applicant is ineligible
B. Non-residents may be commissioned if they maintain or are regularly employed at an office in NJ [CORRECT]
C. Non-residents must first obtain a notary commission in their home state
D. Non-residents may be commissioned only if they own property in NJ
Correct Answer: B. Non-residents may be commissioned if they maintain or are regularly employed at an office in
NJ
Rationale: P.L. 2021, c.179 permits non-residents to be commissioned in NJ if they maintain or are regularly employed at an
office in NJ. The Pennsylvania resident working in Newark qualifies because they are regularly employed at a NJ office. The
"only NJ residents" option is incorrect; the statute specifically extends eligibility to qualifying non-residents. Property ownership
and prior home-state commission are not statutory requirements. Remote employees qualify if the employer's domicile is in NJ.
Q3. A non-resident applicant is granted a NJ notary commission. What additional filing requirement applies
specifically to non-residents that does not apply to resident notaries?
A. Filing a certificate with the State Treasurer showing residence and NJ office/employment address [CORRECT]
B. Paying an additional $50 non-resident surcharge each year
C. Submitting to a criminal background check by the NJ State Police every year
D. Maintaining a separate journal for NJ notarial acts versus out-of-state acts
Correct Answer: A. Filing a certificate with the State Treasurer showing residence and NJ office/employment
address
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Rationale: Non-resident notaries must file a certificate with the State Treasurer showing their residence and NJ office or
employment address. This filing ensures the State has jurisdiction and contact information for the non-resident commissioner.
There is no annual non-resident surcharge under the statute. Annual criminal background checks are not required. A single
journal (not split by jurisdiction) must be maintained for all notarial acts performed under the NJ commission.
Q4. An applicant submits a notary application and pays the $25 application fee. The State Treasurer determines the
applicant does not meet the qualifications and denies the application. What happens to the $25 fee, and what rights
does the applicant have?
A. The $25 fee is refundable; the applicant has no appeal rights
B. The $25 fee is nonrefundable; the applicant has the right to appeal the denial [CORRECT]
C. The $25 fee is held in escrow pending appeal outcome; appeal is automatic
D. The $25 fee is refunded only if the applicant reapplies within 90 days
Correct Answer: B. The $25 fee is nonrefundable; the applicant has the right to appeal the denial
Rationale: The $25 application fee is nonrefundable regardless of whether the application is approved or denied. However, an
applicant denied a commission has the right to appeal the denial. The fee is not held in escrow, and reapplication is not required
to preserve appeal rights. The appeal process provides due process for applicants who believe the denial was improper.
Q5. A NJ notary public was commissioned on January 1, 2024. What is the expiration date of this notary's
commission, assuming no renewal is processed?
A. January 1, 2029 - commissions last 5 years [CORRECT]
B. January 1, 2027 - commissions last 3 years
C. January 1, 2030 - commissions last 6 years
D. January 1, 2034 - commissions last 10 years
Correct Answer: A. January 1, 2029 - commissions last 5 years
Rationale: NJ notary commissions are for a term of 5 years. A notary commissioned on January 1, 2024, has a commission that
expires January 1, 2029 (unless renewed before expiration). The 3-year, 6-year, and 10-year distractors are incorrect term
lengths. Renewal must be processed before expiration to avoid lapse; once expired, the commission becomes invalid and the
notary cannot perform notarial acts.
Q6. A non-attorney applicant wishes to become a NJ notary public. Under P.L. 2021, c.179, what educational and
testing requirements must this applicant satisfy that an attorney applicant is exempt from?
A. Complete an approved course of study and pass an examination prescribed by the State Treasurer [CORRECT]
B. Pass a fingerprint-based background check and post a $10,000 bond
C. Submit three character references from NJ-licensed attorneys
D. Complete 40 hours of supervised notarizations under a sitting notary
Correct Answer: A. Complete an approved course of study and pass an examination prescribed by the State
Treasurer
Rationale: P.L. 2021, c.179 requires non-attorney applicants to complete an approved course of study and pass an examination
prescribed by the State Treasurer. Attorneys admitted in NJ are exempt from this education/testing requirement because their
legal training satisfies the knowledge requirement. There is no bond requirement, no requirement for attorney references, and no
supervised notarization requirement under the statute.
Q7. An applicant was convicted of a felony 15 years ago but has had a clean record since and received a full pardon.
The applicant applies for a NJ notary commission. What is the correct outcome under NJ notary law?
A. The pardon automatically restores eligibility; the application must be granted
B. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary commission [CORRECT]
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C. The pardon allows eligibility only if 20 years have passed since the conviction
D. The applicant is eligible if they disclose the pardon in the application
Correct Answer: B. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission
Rationale: Under NJ notary law, persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission. The statute's disqualification is broad and applies to any criminal conviction. A pardon does not automatically
restore eligibility under the notary statute; the disqualification stands. The 20-year rule is not in the statute. Disclosure alone
does not cure the disqualification.
Q8. A NJ notary public's 5-year commission expires on March 15, 2026. The notary completes a real estate closing
on March 16, 2026, not realizing the commission has expired. What is the legal effect of this notarization?
A. The notarization is valid because it occurred within 24 hours of expiration
B. The notarization is invalid; the commission expired and the notary cannot perform notarial acts [CORRECT]
C. The notarization is valid if the notary pays a reinstatement fee within 30 days
D. The notarization is valid if the parties were not aware of the expiration
Correct Answer: B. The notarization is invalid; the commission expired and the notary cannot perform notarial
acts
Rationale: A notary's commission becomes invalid upon expiration. Any notarization performed after expiration is invalid,
regardless of the notary's awareness or the parties' awareness. There is no 24-hour grace period and no reinstatement fee that
validates post-expiration acts. The notary's commission must be renewed before expiration to maintain continuous authority to
act. Performing notarial acts after expiration may also subject the notary to penalties.
Q9. A notary public was commissioned under the new law (P.L. 2021, c.179) and completed the initial approved
course. The notary is now applying for renewal of the commission. What additional educational requirement applies?
A. Continuing education is required for renewal since the notary completed the initial course [CORRECT]
B. No additional education is required; the initial course satisfies all future renewals
C. The notary must retake and pass the full initial examination again
D. The notary must complete 20 hours of continuing legal education annually
Correct Answer: A. Continuing education is required for renewal since the notary completed the initial course
Rationale: Under P.L. 2021, c.179, continuing education is required for renewal for notaries who completed the initial course.
The initial course does not satisfy all future renewal requirements. Retaking the full initial exam is not the renewal requirement;
continuing education is the specified pathway. The statute does not mandate 20 hours of annual CLE for notaries.
Q10. An applicant for a NJ notary commission is an attorney admitted to the NJ Bar. Which of the following
requirements does this attorney applicant NOT have to satisfy?
A. Paying the $25 application fee
B. Being at least 18 years of age
C. Completing an approved course of study and passing the examination [CORRECT]
D. Maintaining a journal of notarial acts
Correct Answer: C. Completing an approved course of study and passing the examination
Rationale: Attorneys admitted to the NJ Bar are exempt from the approved course of study and examination requirement under
P.L. 2021, c.179, because their legal training satisfies the knowledge requirement. Attorneys must still meet all other
requirements: the $25 fee, the age requirement, the journal requirement, and the character/residency requirements. The
exemption is limited to the educational/testing requirement and does not extend to other statutory obligations.
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, NJ Notary Exam 2026/2027
Q11. A NJ notary public moves from New Jersey to New York and no longer maintains employment in NJ. The
notary has 2 years remaining on the commission. What is the proper action?
A. The notary may continue to perform notarizations in NJ for the remaining 2 years
B. The notary must notify the State Treasurer; the commission may be affected because residency/employment in NJ
is no longer maintained [CORRECT]
C. The notary must immediately surrender the stamp and journal to the State Treasurer
D. The notary may continue to act but must obtain a NY commission within 30 days
Correct Answer: B. The notary must notify the State Treasurer; the commission may be affected because
residency/employment in NJ is no longer maintained
Rationale: A NJ notary who moves out of NJ and no longer maintains NJ residency or employment no longer meets the eligibility
criteria for the NJ commission. The notary should notify the State Treasurer of the change in status. The commission may be
affected because the residency/employment qualification is no longer met. The notary does not automatically continue to act for
the remaining term, and immediate surrender of stamp/journal is not necessarily required unless the commission is revoked.
Obtaining a NY commission does not affect the NJ status.
Q12. A remote employee works from their home in Connecticut for a company headquartered in Newark, NJ. The
employee wishes to obtain a NJ notary commission. Does the employee qualify as a non-resident under P.L. 2021,
c.179?
A. No; remote employees must physically work in NJ to qualify
B. Yes; remote employees qualify if the employer's domicile is in NJ [CORRECT]
C. Yes; all remote employees qualify regardless of employer location
D. No; remote workers are excluded from notary commissions entirely
Correct Answer: B. Yes; remote employees qualify if the employer's domicile is in NJ
Rationale: P.L. 2021, c.179 specifically provides that remote employees qualify for non-resident commission if the employer's
domicile is in NJ. The Connecticut resident working remotely for a Newark-based company qualifies. The "must physically work
in NJ" option is incorrect because the statute recognizes modern remote work. Not all remote employees qualify; the employer's
domicile in NJ is the determining factor.
Q13. An applicant for a NJ notary commission is uncertain whether a past criminal conviction will disqualify them.
Which statement most accurately describes the disqualification standard under NJ notary law?
A. Only felony convictions disqualify an applicant
B. Only convictions within the past 10 years disqualify an applicant
C. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary commission [CORRECT]
D. Only convictions involving fraud or dishonesty disqualify an applicant
Correct Answer: C. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission
Rationale: The disqualification is broad: persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission. The statute does not limit the disqualification to felonies, to a specific time period, or to fraud/dishonesty offenses.
Any criminal conviction triggers the disqualification. This broad standard reflects the integrity required of notaries as impartial
witnesses to significant legal documents.
Q14. A notary public wishes to renew their commission. When should the renewal application be filed, and what
happens if the commission expires before renewal is processed?
A. Renewal may be filed at any time after expiration; the notary may continue to act during processing
B. Renewal should be filed before expiration; if expired, the commission becomes invalid and the notary cannot
perform notarial acts [CORRECT]
C. Renewal may be filed within 90 days after expiration with no lapse in authority
NJ Notary Exam 2026/2027 Questions and Answers | Page 4
Correct
New Jersey Department of the Treasury | P.L. 2021, c.179 | N.J.A.C. 17:50
100 Multiple-Choice Questions | 100% Correct | NJ Department of the Treasury | P.L. 2021, c.179 | N.J.A.C. 17:50
Section 1: Commission Requirements and Qualifications
(Age, Residency, Employment, Character, Application, Term, & Non-Resident Rules) - Q1-Q15
Q1. A 17-year-old resident of New Jersey who works part-time at a law firm wishes to apply for a notary public
commission. According to NJ notary law, what is the minimum age requirement for appointment as a notary public
in New Jersey?
A. 16 years of age at time of appointment
B. 18 years of age at time of appointment [CORRECT]
C. 21 years of age at time of appointment
D. There is no age requirement under NJ law
Correct Answer: B. 18 years of age at time of appointment
Rationale: Under P.L. 2021, c.179 and the NJ Notary Public Manual, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of
appointment to qualify for a notary commission. A 17-year-old does not meet the minimum age threshold. The 21-year-old and
"no age requirement" distractors reflect common misconceptions; NJ sets the threshold at 18, not 21, and the age requirement is
mandatory. The age rule ensures legal capacity to execute binding notarial acts.
Q2. An applicant resides in Pennsylvania but works full-time at a law office located in Newark, New Jersey. The
applicant wants to know if they qualify for a NJ notary commission. Which statement is correct under P.L. 2021,
c.179?
A. Only NJ legal residents may be commissioned; the applicant is ineligible
B. Non-residents may be commissioned if they maintain or are regularly employed at an office in NJ [CORRECT]
C. Non-residents must first obtain a notary commission in their home state
D. Non-residents may be commissioned only if they own property in NJ
Correct Answer: B. Non-residents may be commissioned if they maintain or are regularly employed at an office in
NJ
Rationale: P.L. 2021, c.179 permits non-residents to be commissioned in NJ if they maintain or are regularly employed at an
office in NJ. The Pennsylvania resident working in Newark qualifies because they are regularly employed at a NJ office. The
"only NJ residents" option is incorrect; the statute specifically extends eligibility to qualifying non-residents. Property ownership
and prior home-state commission are not statutory requirements. Remote employees qualify if the employer's domicile is in NJ.
Q3. A non-resident applicant is granted a NJ notary commission. What additional filing requirement applies
specifically to non-residents that does not apply to resident notaries?
A. Filing a certificate with the State Treasurer showing residence and NJ office/employment address [CORRECT]
B. Paying an additional $50 non-resident surcharge each year
C. Submitting to a criminal background check by the NJ State Police every year
D. Maintaining a separate journal for NJ notarial acts versus out-of-state acts
Correct Answer: A. Filing a certificate with the State Treasurer showing residence and NJ office/employment
address
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Rationale: Non-resident notaries must file a certificate with the State Treasurer showing their residence and NJ office or
employment address. This filing ensures the State has jurisdiction and contact information for the non-resident commissioner.
There is no annual non-resident surcharge under the statute. Annual criminal background checks are not required. A single
journal (not split by jurisdiction) must be maintained for all notarial acts performed under the NJ commission.
Q4. An applicant submits a notary application and pays the $25 application fee. The State Treasurer determines the
applicant does not meet the qualifications and denies the application. What happens to the $25 fee, and what rights
does the applicant have?
A. The $25 fee is refundable; the applicant has no appeal rights
B. The $25 fee is nonrefundable; the applicant has the right to appeal the denial [CORRECT]
C. The $25 fee is held in escrow pending appeal outcome; appeal is automatic
D. The $25 fee is refunded only if the applicant reapplies within 90 days
Correct Answer: B. The $25 fee is nonrefundable; the applicant has the right to appeal the denial
Rationale: The $25 application fee is nonrefundable regardless of whether the application is approved or denied. However, an
applicant denied a commission has the right to appeal the denial. The fee is not held in escrow, and reapplication is not required
to preserve appeal rights. The appeal process provides due process for applicants who believe the denial was improper.
Q5. A NJ notary public was commissioned on January 1, 2024. What is the expiration date of this notary's
commission, assuming no renewal is processed?
A. January 1, 2029 - commissions last 5 years [CORRECT]
B. January 1, 2027 - commissions last 3 years
C. January 1, 2030 - commissions last 6 years
D. January 1, 2034 - commissions last 10 years
Correct Answer: A. January 1, 2029 - commissions last 5 years
Rationale: NJ notary commissions are for a term of 5 years. A notary commissioned on January 1, 2024, has a commission that
expires January 1, 2029 (unless renewed before expiration). The 3-year, 6-year, and 10-year distractors are incorrect term
lengths. Renewal must be processed before expiration to avoid lapse; once expired, the commission becomes invalid and the
notary cannot perform notarial acts.
Q6. A non-attorney applicant wishes to become a NJ notary public. Under P.L. 2021, c.179, what educational and
testing requirements must this applicant satisfy that an attorney applicant is exempt from?
A. Complete an approved course of study and pass an examination prescribed by the State Treasurer [CORRECT]
B. Pass a fingerprint-based background check and post a $10,000 bond
C. Submit three character references from NJ-licensed attorneys
D. Complete 40 hours of supervised notarizations under a sitting notary
Correct Answer: A. Complete an approved course of study and pass an examination prescribed by the State
Treasurer
Rationale: P.L. 2021, c.179 requires non-attorney applicants to complete an approved course of study and pass an examination
prescribed by the State Treasurer. Attorneys admitted in NJ are exempt from this education/testing requirement because their
legal training satisfies the knowledge requirement. There is no bond requirement, no requirement for attorney references, and no
supervised notarization requirement under the statute.
Q7. An applicant was convicted of a felony 15 years ago but has had a clean record since and received a full pardon.
The applicant applies for a NJ notary commission. What is the correct outcome under NJ notary law?
A. The pardon automatically restores eligibility; the application must be granted
B. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary commission [CORRECT]
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,NJ Notary Exam 2026/2027
C. The pardon allows eligibility only if 20 years have passed since the conviction
D. The applicant is eligible if they disclose the pardon in the application
Correct Answer: B. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission
Rationale: Under NJ notary law, persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission. The statute's disqualification is broad and applies to any criminal conviction. A pardon does not automatically
restore eligibility under the notary statute; the disqualification stands. The 20-year rule is not in the statute. Disclosure alone
does not cure the disqualification.
Q8. A NJ notary public's 5-year commission expires on March 15, 2026. The notary completes a real estate closing
on March 16, 2026, not realizing the commission has expired. What is the legal effect of this notarization?
A. The notarization is valid because it occurred within 24 hours of expiration
B. The notarization is invalid; the commission expired and the notary cannot perform notarial acts [CORRECT]
C. The notarization is valid if the notary pays a reinstatement fee within 30 days
D. The notarization is valid if the parties were not aware of the expiration
Correct Answer: B. The notarization is invalid; the commission expired and the notary cannot perform notarial
acts
Rationale: A notary's commission becomes invalid upon expiration. Any notarization performed after expiration is invalid,
regardless of the notary's awareness or the parties' awareness. There is no 24-hour grace period and no reinstatement fee that
validates post-expiration acts. The notary's commission must be renewed before expiration to maintain continuous authority to
act. Performing notarial acts after expiration may also subject the notary to penalties.
Q9. A notary public was commissioned under the new law (P.L. 2021, c.179) and completed the initial approved
course. The notary is now applying for renewal of the commission. What additional educational requirement applies?
A. Continuing education is required for renewal since the notary completed the initial course [CORRECT]
B. No additional education is required; the initial course satisfies all future renewals
C. The notary must retake and pass the full initial examination again
D. The notary must complete 20 hours of continuing legal education annually
Correct Answer: A. Continuing education is required for renewal since the notary completed the initial course
Rationale: Under P.L. 2021, c.179, continuing education is required for renewal for notaries who completed the initial course.
The initial course does not satisfy all future renewal requirements. Retaking the full initial exam is not the renewal requirement;
continuing education is the specified pathway. The statute does not mandate 20 hours of annual CLE for notaries.
Q10. An applicant for a NJ notary commission is an attorney admitted to the NJ Bar. Which of the following
requirements does this attorney applicant NOT have to satisfy?
A. Paying the $25 application fee
B. Being at least 18 years of age
C. Completing an approved course of study and passing the examination [CORRECT]
D. Maintaining a journal of notarial acts
Correct Answer: C. Completing an approved course of study and passing the examination
Rationale: Attorneys admitted to the NJ Bar are exempt from the approved course of study and examination requirement under
P.L. 2021, c.179, because their legal training satisfies the knowledge requirement. Attorneys must still meet all other
requirements: the $25 fee, the age requirement, the journal requirement, and the character/residency requirements. The
exemption is limited to the educational/testing requirement and does not extend to other statutory obligations.
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Q11. A NJ notary public moves from New Jersey to New York and no longer maintains employment in NJ. The
notary has 2 years remaining on the commission. What is the proper action?
A. The notary may continue to perform notarizations in NJ for the remaining 2 years
B. The notary must notify the State Treasurer; the commission may be affected because residency/employment in NJ
is no longer maintained [CORRECT]
C. The notary must immediately surrender the stamp and journal to the State Treasurer
D. The notary may continue to act but must obtain a NY commission within 30 days
Correct Answer: B. The notary must notify the State Treasurer; the commission may be affected because
residency/employment in NJ is no longer maintained
Rationale: A NJ notary who moves out of NJ and no longer maintains NJ residency or employment no longer meets the eligibility
criteria for the NJ commission. The notary should notify the State Treasurer of the change in status. The commission may be
affected because the residency/employment qualification is no longer met. The notary does not automatically continue to act for
the remaining term, and immediate surrender of stamp/journal is not necessarily required unless the commission is revoked.
Obtaining a NY commission does not affect the NJ status.
Q12. A remote employee works from their home in Connecticut for a company headquartered in Newark, NJ. The
employee wishes to obtain a NJ notary commission. Does the employee qualify as a non-resident under P.L. 2021,
c.179?
A. No; remote employees must physically work in NJ to qualify
B. Yes; remote employees qualify if the employer's domicile is in NJ [CORRECT]
C. Yes; all remote employees qualify regardless of employer location
D. No; remote workers are excluded from notary commissions entirely
Correct Answer: B. Yes; remote employees qualify if the employer's domicile is in NJ
Rationale: P.L. 2021, c.179 specifically provides that remote employees qualify for non-resident commission if the employer's
domicile is in NJ. The Connecticut resident working remotely for a Newark-based company qualifies. The "must physically work
in NJ" option is incorrect because the statute recognizes modern remote work. Not all remote employees qualify; the employer's
domicile in NJ is the determining factor.
Q13. An applicant for a NJ notary commission is uncertain whether a past criminal conviction will disqualify them.
Which statement most accurately describes the disqualification standard under NJ notary law?
A. Only felony convictions disqualify an applicant
B. Only convictions within the past 10 years disqualify an applicant
C. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary commission [CORRECT]
D. Only convictions involving fraud or dishonesty disqualify an applicant
Correct Answer: C. Persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission
Rationale: The disqualification is broad: persons convicted of any crime in NJ or the United States cannot be granted a notary
commission. The statute does not limit the disqualification to felonies, to a specific time period, or to fraud/dishonesty offenses.
Any criminal conviction triggers the disqualification. This broad standard reflects the integrity required of notaries as impartial
witnesses to significant legal documents.
Q14. A notary public wishes to renew their commission. When should the renewal application be filed, and what
happens if the commission expires before renewal is processed?
A. Renewal may be filed at any time after expiration; the notary may continue to act during processing
B. Renewal should be filed before expiration; if expired, the commission becomes invalid and the notary cannot
perform notarial acts [CORRECT]
C. Renewal may be filed within 90 days after expiration with no lapse in authority
NJ Notary Exam 2026/2027 Questions and Answers | Page 4
