📜 New Jersey was a national pioneer when it enacted P.L. 2017, c. 159—the "New Jersey Notary Public Act"—establishing a permanent legal framework for Remote Online Notarization (RON).
This law grants an electronic seal the same legal weight as a physical impression. Understanding this statutory framework ensures that documents notarized online are accepted by courts, financial institutions, and government agencies with full confidence.
⚖️ The Authorizing Statute
New Jersey Notary Public Act (P.L. 2017, c. 159)
Effective July 1, 2018, this law authorized notaries public commissioned in New Jersey to perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON) using communication technology.
N.J.S.A. 52:16B-1 et seq.
✅ Electronic Seal
✅ Remote Appearance
✅ Audio-Visual Recording
✅ Digital Tamper-Evident
🏛️ Three Pillars of NJ Online Notarization
Electronic Seal = Physical Seal
N.J.S.A. 52:16B-11.1
Legally equivalent to rubber stamp impression
Must include: notary name, commission number, expiration date
Digitally affixed, tamper-evident
Same admissibility standards as paper documents
⚖️ Full legal effect
Video Recording & Retention
N.J.S.A. 52:16B-12.2
Two-way, real-time audio-visual communication
Notary must be physically located in New Jersey
Recording must be retained for 10 years
Include: date, time, participants, document description
🎥 Mandatory recording
Identity Verification
N.J.S.A. 52:16B-12.1
Credential analysis (government ID verification)
Knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
Personal knowledge of the notary
Oath or affirmation by video
🆔 Multi-factor verification
📹 Recording Requirements (N.J.S.A. 52:16B-12.2)
🎬 What Must Be Recorded
• Entire notarization session
• Identity verification process
• Document review
• Signing and sealing
• Oath or affirmation
⏳ Retention & Access
10 Years
Recording must be retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of notarization.
Available for inspection by the State Treasurer or Attorney General.
🔒 Security Standards
• Tamper-evident technology
• Encrypted transmission
• Secure storage
• Audit trail required
📍 New Jersey-Specific Requirements
Notary Location
The notary must be physically located within New Jersey at the time of online notarization.
The signer may be located anywhere in the world.
Notary Commission
Notaries must hold a valid New Jersey notary commission. No additional registration for online notarization is required under NJ law, but notaries must use an approved technology platform.
Acceptance: New Jersey online notarizations are recognized by all New Jersey state agencies, including the Department of Treasury and the Division of Revenue.
📋 Legal Equivalence: Key Provisions
📑 Admissibility
An electronic notarization satisfies any law requiring a notarized document. Courts cannot deny admission solely because it is electronic.
🖋️ Signatures
Electronic signatures applied during a RON session have the same legal effect as wet-ink signatures.
🔏 Presumption
Courts presume an electronic notarization is valid and regular. Burden of proof is on the party challenging it.
Notary liability: Online notaries are subject to the same duties, penalties, and bonding requirements as traditional notaries. Improper notarization can result in commission revocation and legal liability.
✅ Quick Compliance Checklist
✓ Notary located in NJ
✓ Two-way audio-video
✓ Credential analysis
✓ 10-year recording retention
✓ Tamper-evident seal
✓ Audit trail maintained
Fully Compliant, Fully Remote
Digital Notary conducts all online notarizations in strict accordance with P.L. 2017, c. 159. Every session is recorded, every identity is verified, and every electronic seal carries the full authority of New Jersey law.
New Jersey tip: P.L. 2017, c. 159 does not require signers to be New Jersey residents. A NJ notary can notarize documents for signers anywhere in the world, as long as the notary is physically in New Jersey during the session.