Notary Cost in New Jersey: 2026 Guide
In 2026, a New Jersey notarial officer may charge $2.50 per act for many common services, including administering an oath, taking an affidavit, taking proof of a deed, and taking an acknowledgment. Different limits apply to certain real-estate transactions: $15 for services involving grantors in one real-estate transfer and $25 for services involving mortgagors in one real-estate financing transaction.
These limits cover the notarial services described in New Jersey's fee rule. Your total may still depend on the number and type of acts, whether a separate mobile or convenience service is offered, and whether the provider charges for other clearly disclosed services.
New Jersey Maximum Notary Fees in 2026
| Notarial service | Maximum fee |
|---|---|
| Administering an oath | $2.50 per act |
| Taking an affidavit | $2.50 per act |
| Taking proof of a deed | $2.50 per act |
| Taking an acknowledgment | $2.50 per act |
| Services for grantors in one transaction transferring real estate | $15 per transaction |
| Services for mortgagors in one transaction financing real estate | $25 per transaction |
The State Treasurer sets these fees under N.J.S.A. 22A:4-14, and the current schedule appears in N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.18. The $15 and $25 real-estate limits apply regardless of how many of the listed services are performed within the applicable single transaction.
Why Your Final Price May Be Different
The state fee schedule does not mean every appointment has the same total. Before agreeing to a service, ask for a complete quote and confirm:
- Which notarial act your document requires
- How many separate acts or signers are involved
- Whether the matter is a real-estate transfer or financing transaction
- Whether travel, printing, witness, after-hours, or other separate service charges apply
- Whether the quoted amount is per act, per signer, per transaction, or per document
A mobile provider may quote a total higher than the notarial-act fee because travel or another service is involved. Ask the provider to identify each part of the price before the appointment.
What Does "Per Act" Mean?
One document does not always equal one notarial act. A document may require more than one acknowledgment, oath, affidavit, or signature-related certificate. A package may also contain several documents requiring separate acts.
If the document does not state which notarial certificate is required, ask the receiving organization or a qualified attorney. A notary who is not an attorney generally cannot select the legal form of notarization or give legal advice.
Where to Find a Notary in New Jersey
Common options include banks, credit unions, shipping stores, law offices, municipal offices, libraries, mobile notaries, and remote online notaries. Availability varies by location. A bank may serve only its customers, a store may have limited notary hours, and some document types may be excluded.
Call before visiting. Confirm that a commissioned notary will be available, that the notary can handle your document type, whether witnesses are needed, and the complete price.
What to Bring
- The complete document, including every page
- Satisfactory identification, commonly a current government-issued photo ID
- Any witnesses required by the document or receiving organization
- A payment method for the quoted fee
- Instructions from the recipient if a specific certificate or format is required
Complete blank factual fields before the appointment. Follow the notary's instructions about signing; some acts require you to sign or swear to the document during the session.
In-Person, Mobile, and Online Notary Costs
| Option | Pricing consideration | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in New Jersey notary | Usually subject to the applicable $2.50, $15, or $25 state limit | Requires travel and confirmed availability |
| Mobile notary | Applicable notarial fee plus any separately disclosed service or travel charge | Provider travels to an agreed location |
| New Jersey remote notary | Ask for the total platform and service price before starting | Uses compliant communication technology |
| Notary20 online | $20 per eligible document | Remote session arranged online |
Is Remote Online Notarization Available in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey law allows properly authorized notaries to perform remote and electronic notarizations under applicable identity, technology, certificate, journal, and recording requirements. An active New Jersey notary who offers remote or electronic notarization must update the notary's commission record with the State.
Legal availability does not guarantee that every document or recipient will accept remote notarization. Confirm acceptance before paying, especially for court filings, real-estate documents, estate-planning documents, apostille use, or government forms.
When Notary20 May Be a Practical Alternative
If your document is eligible for remote notarization and the recipient accepts an electronically notarized document, Notary20 offers a straightforward $20-per-document online service. You can submit the document and identification online and complete the notarization through a live remote session.
Notary20's price is its service offer, not New Jersey's statutory fee schedule. The notary may be commissioned in another state, and the certificate venue reflects where the notary is physically located. Always confirm acceptance and document-specific requirements with the receiving person or agency.
Compare Online Notary Pricing
For a broader national comparison, read the Online Notary Cost Guide.
Start Your Online Notarization
If your recipient accepts remote online notarization and your document is eligible, you can submit it for review:
FAQ
How much can a New Jersey notary charge in 2026?
For many ordinary acts, the limit is $2.50 per act. The rule also permits $15 for the listed services involving grantors in one real-estate transfer and $25 for the listed services involving mortgagors in one real-estate financing transaction.
Is the $2.50 fee per document?
Not necessarily. It is generally assessed per notarial act. One document or document package can require more than one act, so request a complete quote.
Why might a mobile notary cost more?
A mobile appointment may include a separately disclosed charge for travel or another service in addition to the notarial fee. Confirm the full amount and how it is divided before booking.
Is remote online notarization legal in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey permits compliant remote and electronic notarizations by properly authorized notaries. The receiving organization still decides whether it will accept the electronic document.
Can a person in New Jersey use an out-of-state online notary?
Often, a signer may appear remotely before a notary acting under the law of the notary's commissioning state. Confirm that the document is eligible and that the receiving organization will accept the notarization.