Signing checklist for New Jersey

The signing steps in New Jersey law, step by step. Pick your documents to see them.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

This checklist lists the signing rules in New Jersey law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

Sign it Signed by you (the principal), in writing.
Law: N.J.S.A. 46:2B-8.9; N.J.S.A. 46:14-2.1; N.J.S.A. 46:14-6.1
Notary or witnesses A power of attorney must be in writing, signed, and acknowledged before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments, such as a notary public or a New Jersey attorney at law (also a county clerk, register of deeds or surrogate). Acknowledgment can also be made by communication technology under the state's remote notarization law. No witnesses are required by the act.
Law: N.J.S.A. 46:2B-8.9; N.J.S.A. 46:14-2.1; N.J.S.A. 46:14-6.1
If you sign electronically An acknowledgment may be taken by an officer using communication technology under P.L.2021, c.179.
Law: N.J.S.A. 46:2B-8.9; N.J.S.A. 46:14-2.1; N.J.S.A. 46:14-6.1

Choose your form Proxy Directive (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care) and Instruction Directive (Living Will). You do not have to use it. Official text
Law: N.J.S.A. 26:2H-56, 26:2H-58
Sign it Signed and dated by you, or by someone at your direction.
Law: N.J.S.A. 26:2H-56
Notary or witnesses Sign and date the advance directive either in front of two adult witnesses who also sign, or acknowledge it before a notary public, an attorney at law, or another person authorized to administer oaths. You may add a video or audio recording.
Law: N.J.S.A. 26:2H-56
Who cannot witness Two adult witnesses must sign and attest that you are of sound mind and free of duress and undue influence. The health care representative you name cannot be a witness.
Law: N.J.S.A. 26:2H-56

Give copies to the right people Keep the signed documents in a safe place and give copies to your health care proxy and your doctors. Some states have registries that store an advance directive for doctors and your proxy.

This checklist lists the signing rules in New Jersey law. It does not check whether your document is valid.