New Jersey Notary Association

06/01/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

A notary can refuse a notarization, even when the signer has valid identification.

Many people assume a notary's job begins and ends with checking ID. In reality, identity verification is only one part of the process.

A notary must also be satisfied that the signer is acting willingly, understands what they are signing, and is aware of the transaction taking place.

If a signer appears confused, disoriented, pressured by another person, or unable to communicate an understanding of the document, the notary has a responsibility to stop and assess the situation. In some cases, the correct decision is to refuse the notarization.

This isn't about making life difficult for the signer. It's about protecting the signer, protecting the integrity of the document, and protecting the notary's commission.

One of the most important responsibilities a notary has is knowing when not to proceed.

Have you ever had to decline a notarization? What were the circumstances?

05/31/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Many New Jersey notaries believe they must use an embosser or raised seal on every notarization.

That's not true.

New Jersey law does not require notaries to use an embosser. A notary's official stamp and signature are sufficient when performing a notarial act.

Unfortunately, myths and misinformation continue to circulate throughout the notary community. Understanding the difference between legal requirements and industry traditions can help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary expenses.

That's exactly why the New Jersey Notary Association exists.

NJNA members receive access to over 7 hours of New Jersey-specific notary education, compliance resources, networking opportunities, and ongoing updates about changes affecting New Jersey notaries.

Membership is just $35 per year.

Join today and make sure you're getting your information from a trusted source.

05/28/2026

Most notary mistakes don’t happen because someone is careless. They happen because nobody taught the notary what to watch for.

A missing certificate.
An incomplete document.
Improper identification.
One small oversight can create major problems.

The best notaries never stop learning.

Join the New Jersey Notary Association community for practical guidance and education, real-world discussions, updates on New Jersey notary law, and support from notaries across the state.

Professional notaries are built through education, experience, and community.

Become a member today.

05/26/2026

Did You Know?

In New Jersey, licensed attorneys can legally take acknowledgments and proofs of ex*****on on certain documents without holding a notary public commission.

Under N.J.S.A. 46:14-6.1, attorneys-at-law are specifically authorized by statute to perform these limited document ex*****on functions alongside notaries public and other public officers.

Important distinction:
Attorneys are not automatically “notaries.” Their authority is limited to specific acknowledgment and proof functions under New Jersey property law.

Another interesting fact:
New Jersey acknowledgment law does not require a seal for validity under N.J.S.A. 46:14-2.1, although some agencies and out-of-state institutions may still expect traditional notary formatting.

05/23/2026

Memorial Day Weekend Special 🇺🇸

If you’ve been thinking about joining the New Jersey Notary Association, now is the time.

Join before Monday and lock in our lowest membership rate of the summer — save nearly 30%.

Regular Membership: $35
Memorial Day Special: $25

Inside the NJNA community you’ll get:
✔ Real answers from active NJ notaries
✔ Updates on changing NJ notary laws
✔ Support, resources, and networking
✔ Training and guidance to help grow your business

Don’t try to navigate New Jersey notary work alone.

Offer ends Monday night.

Learn New Jersey notary law, strengthen compliance, avoid unauthorized practice of law issues, and protect your notary commission with NJNA’s focused training and resources.

05/23/2026

📘 NEW RESOURCE: NJ “One Journal” Rule Explained

We received a very interesting question recently, and the answer was thought-provoking enough that we decided to turn it into a full topic on the NJNA website rather than just a post.

👉 https://www.newjerseynotaryassociation.org/one-journal

New Jersey law requires notaries to maintain only one official journal for all notarial acts, including in-person notarizations, electronic notarizations, and RON.

The new page explains what the “one journal” requirement means in practice, how to properly record all types of notarizations in a single journal, why RON platform records do not replace your journal, and NJNA’s recommended approach for staying consistent and compliant.

If you’re a New Jersey notary working across multiple formats, this is an important topic that directly affects daily recordkeeping decisions.

💡 Want more guidance like this? NJNA membership provides deeper access to real-world compliance discussions, member Q&A, and ongoing updates as New Jersey notary practice evolves.

05/01/2026

MAY SPECIAL PRICING: $21 for Garden State Notary paperback on Amazon. That's 30% off the regular price. Sale ends 5/5/2026.

The Garden State Notary: Cultivating Strong Notarial Roots

04/22/2026

New Jersey notaries play a critical role in protecting the public every day.

From preventing fraud to ensuring proper document ex*****on, your work matters. The New Jersey Notary Association is committed to raising the standard through education, advocacy, and support for notaries across the state.

If you are a commissioned notary or considering becoming one, now is the time to stay informed, stay compliant, and stay confident in your role.

Join us in strengthening notarial practice in New Jersey.

03/20/2026

There is only 35 hours left to enter and vote in our New Jersey Notary Public business card showcase! Enter now and vote for your chance to win!

Learn New Jersey notary law, strengthen compliance, avoid unauthorized practice of law issues, and protect your notary commission with NJNA’s focused training and resources.

03/06/2026

🎉 NJ Notary Business Card Showcase 🎉

New Jersey Notaries — let’s see those business cards!

NJNA is hosting a friendly showcase where NJ notaries can share their business card designs and the community can vote for their favorites.

How to Enter:

1️⃣ Follow NJNA
2️⃣ Post a photo of your notary business card in the comments
3️⃣ Include your county and how long you’ve been a New jersey Notary

Voting:
👍 Likes on your comment count as votes.

Prizes:

🥇 1st Place: FREE Lifetime Membership to the New Jersey Notary Association (NJNA)

🥈 2nd Place: $20 Wawa Gift Card

📅 Entries Close: March 20, 2026 at 11:59pm
🏆 Winners Announced: Sunday March 22, 2026

This is a great opportunity to network with other NJ notaries, promote your business, and show off your branding.

Good luck to and everyone!

Learn New Jersey notary law, strengthen compliance, avoid unauthorized practice of law issues, and protect your notary commission with NJNA’s focused training and resources.