New Jersey notary exam practice questions

1. What is the fee a New Jersey notary may charge for administering an oath, taking an affidavit, taking a proof of a deed or taking an acknowledgment?

   1. $1.00 per act
   2. $2.50 per act
   3. $5.00 per act
   4. $10.00 per act
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   B. $2.50 per act

   The fee is $2.50 for each notarial act. Travel and other service charges are separate from the notarial fee and should be disclosed up front.

   Source: N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.18 (fees), summarized in our guide

2. In a real estate transfer, what is the most a notary may charge for the grantor's notarizations?

   1. $2.50 per act, with no cap
   2. $15 in total, however many acts
   3. $25 in total, however many acts
   4. $50 in total
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   B. $15 in total, however many acts

   For a real estate transfer, the fee for the grantor's notarizations is $15 no matter how many acts are in that transaction.

   Source: N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.18 (fees), summarized in our guide

3. In a real estate financing, what is the most a notary may charge for the mortgagor's notarizations?

   1. $10 in total
   2. $15 in total
   3. $25 in total, however many acts
   4. $2.50 per page
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   C. $25 in total, however many acts

   For a real estate financing, the fee for the mortgagor's notarizations is $25 no matter how many acts are in that transaction.

   Source: N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.18 (fees), summarized in our guide

4. A person is physically unable to sign a record and directs someone other than the notary to sign their name. What must the notary do?

   1. Insert on the record "Signature affixed by (name of other individual) at the direction of (name of individual)" or words of similar meaning
   2. Charge an additional $1 for the act
   3. Take no special action
   4. Sign the record for the person
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   A. Insert on the record "Signature affixed by (name of other individual) at the direction of (name of individual)" or words of similar meaning

   The person may direct an individual other than the notarial officer to sign their name, and the notary adds that statement (or words of similar import) to the record. The notary never signs for the signer.

   Source: N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.9

5. May a notary notarize a deed on which the notary's spouse is a party?

   1. Yes, if the notary keeps a journal entry
   2. Yes, if a second witness is present
   3. No. A notary may not notarize a record to which the notary or the notary's spouse or civil union partner is a party, or in which either has a direct beneficial interest
   4. Only for real estate records
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   C. No. A notary may not notarize a record to which the notary or the notary's spouse or civil union partner is a party, or in which either has a direct beneficial interest

   The law bars a notarial act on a record where the notary, or the notary's spouse or civil union partner, is a party or has a direct beneficial interest. An act done in violation is voidable.

   Source: N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.7

6. What is the minimum age to be commissioned as a New Jersey notary?

   1. 16
   2. 18
   3. 21
   4. 25
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   B. 18

   Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

   Source: Middlesex County Clerk, notary FAQ

7. Who may apply for a New Jersey notary commission?

   1. Only New Jersey residents
   2. New Jersey residents, or residents of an adjoining state who regularly work in New Jersey or keep an office there
   3. Anyone in the United States
   4. Only attorneys
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   B. New Jersey residents, or residents of an adjoining state who regularly work in New Jersey or keep an office there

   New Jersey residents qualify, and so do residents of an adjoining state who are regularly employed or maintain an office in New Jersey.

   Source: Middlesex County Clerk, notary FAQ

8. After the commission is issued, how long does a new notary have to take the oath of office?

   1. 30 days
   2. 60 days
   3. 90 days
   4. One year
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   C. 90 days

   The oath must be taken within 90 days of the commission date. If it is not, the commission is void and the applicant must file a new application and pay the fee again.

   Source: Middlesex County Clerk, notary FAQ

9. How long does a New Jersey notary commission last?

   1. Two years
   2. Four years
   3. Five years
   4. For life
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   C. Five years

   A commission lasts five years and can be renewed for further five-year terms.

   Source: Middlesex County Clerk, notary FAQ

10. What must a first-time applicant who is not an attorney complete before being commissioned?

    1. Nothing beyond the application
    2. A six-hour course of study approved by the State Treasurer, and an examination
    3. A three-hour course only
    4. A college degree
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    B. A six-hour course of study approved by the State Treasurer, and an examination

    Non-attorney applicants for a first commission must complete a six-hour approved course and pass the examination prescribed by the State Treasurer.

    Source: NJ Division of Revenue, notary education and testing

11. What education does a notary need to renew a commission?

    1. None
    2. A three-hour continuing education course
    3. The six-hour course again
    4. A new examination every time
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    B. A three-hour continuing education course

    Renewing notaries complete a three-hour continuing education course if they already completed the six-hour course and passed the exam once, or were first commissioned before October 22, 2021.

    Source: NJ Division of Revenue, notary education and testing

12. A notary who is not an attorney advertises notary services in Spanish. Which is required?

    1. Nothing, because the ad is not in English
    2. Using the word "notario" to show the service is legal help
    3. A notice that the notary is not an attorney, cannot give legal advice, including about immigration, and cannot accept fees for legal advice, translated into the language of the ad
    4. Only the notary's commission number
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    C. A notice that the notary is not an attorney, cannot give legal advice, including about immigration, and cannot accept fees for legal advice, translated into the language of the ad

    A notary who is not a licensed attorney may not use "lawyer", "attorney-at-law" or an equivalent term in any language, and any advertisement must carry that disclaimer, translated into the ad's language.

    Source: N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.3

13. A notary legally changes their name. What must they do before signing a notarial record under the new name?

    1. Nothing until the commission is renewed
    2. Make, sign and file a written statement under oath on the state's form
    3. Tell the county clerk by phone
    4. Order a new stamp only
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    B. Make, sign and file a written statement under oath on the state's form

    Before signing any notarial record with the new name, the notary must make, sign and file a written statement under oath on the form the state prescribes.

    Source: Middlesex County Clerk, notary FAQ

These are practice questions written from the public sources linked under each answer. They are not the state's exam and are not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current New Jersey Notary Public Manual and your course materials before the test.