Can notaries in New Jersey also act as witnesses?

In New Jersey, notaries public are allowed to serve as witnesses in addition to their notarial duties. This means that when a notary is present during the signing of a document, they can fulfill the role of notary by administering an oath, verifying signatures, or certifying documents, and simultaneously act as a witness to the transaction. This capability enhances the utility of notaries, as they can provide both authentication of signatures and witness the signing of documents, providing a level of convenience and efficiency for all parties involved.

The option stating that they must choose one role is incorrect because there is no legal requirement in New Jersey that mandates notaries must exclusively serve as either a notary or a witness. Thus, notaries can effectively fulfill both roles when the situation arises.

Additionally, the stipulation regarding official hours does not apply; a notary's ability to act as a witness does not depend on specific hours of operation. This flexibility allows notaries to provide their services whenever required.

Finally, the limitation to legal documents is misleading because notaries can be witnesses for various types of documents, not just legal ones, thereby further expanding their role within different contexts.