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Can I act as both a Notary and an individual witness for a document?

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

In New Jersey,  if a document being notarized requires a witness, can a Notary act as the witness and still notarize the document? — R.D., New Jersey

New Jersey law does not specifically prohibit a Notary from serving as both the Notary and a witness on the same document. However, the NNA generally recommends against serving in both capacities. Acting as both the Notary and a witness on the same document may raise questions about the Notary's impartiality.

Please see our article on requests to serve as a document witness for information on Notary witnessing rules and restrictions in other states.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

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