Hudson Signing makes notarization simple, clear, and convenient. Below are general duties and the most common types of notarizations provided in NJ.

General Duties of a New Jersey Notary Public

Regardless of the act, every NJ notary must:

1. Verify Identity

  • Use government-issued photo ID or credible witnesses

2. Require Personal Appearance

  • The signer must be physically present (or compliant with NJ remote notarization laws if applicable)

3. Screen for Willingness & Awareness

  • No coercion

  • Signer must understand what they are signing

4. Maintain Impartiality

  • Do not notarize documents where you have a financial or beneficial interest

5. Complete the Notarial Certificate Properly

  • Include:

    • Venue (State & County)

    • Date

    • Signer’s name

    • Notary signature

    • Official stamp/seal

6. Keep a Journal (Strongly Recommended in NJ)

  • Date and time

  • Type of notarization

  • Signer’s name and address

  • ID type used

  • Signature of signer

7. Use Official Seal

  • Must include:

    • Notary name

    • “Notary Public, State of New Jersey”

    • Commission expiration date

Oaths and Affirmations (Standalone)

What it is:
A formal promise that statements are truthful or duties will be performed faithfully.

Common uses:

  • Public officials

  • Testimony

  • Written or verbal declarations

Notary Duties:

  • Confirm identity of the individual

  • Administer the oath (sworn) or affirmation (non-religious)

  • Ensure the person verbally acknowledges the oath

  • Record the act if maintaining a journal (recommended)

Copy Certifications

What it is:
The notary certifies that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.

Important (NJ-specific):
New Jersey notaries are limited—copy certifications are generally allowed only for certain documents and not for vital records (like birth, death, or marriage certificates).

Notary Duties:

  • Compare the original document to the copy

  • Confirm the copy is complete and accurate

  • Ensure the document is eligible for certification

  • Complete a copy certification statement

  • Sign and affix seal

Signature Witnessing (if applicable in practice)

What it is:
The notary witnesses a person signing a document without requiring an acknowledgment or oath.

Notary Duties:

  • Verify identity

  • Witness the signing in real time

  • Ensure willingness and awareness

  • Complete appropriate notarial wording if required

Jurats (Oaths & Affirmations)

What it is:
A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of a document are true.

Common documents:

  • Affidavits

  • Depositions

  • Sworn statements

Notary Duties:

  • Require the signer to appear in person

  • Verify identity

  • Administer an oath or affirmation (“Do you swear or affirm…”)

  • Witness the signer sign the document

  • Complete the jurat certificate

  • Apply seal and signature

Acknowledgments

What it is:
An acknowledgment is when a signer confirms they willingly signed a document for its intended purpose.

Common documents:

  • Deeds

  • Mortgages

  • Powers of Attorney

  • Contracts

Notary Duties:

  • Verify the signer’s identity using satisfactory evidence (ID)

  • Ensure the signer is present before you

  • Confirm the signer understands the document and is signing voluntarily

  • Review the notarial certificate for completeness

  • Complete the acknowledgment certificate

  • Affix signature, stamp, and date