What is a deed?
A deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party to another. The person giving up ownership is the grantor, and the person receiving it is the grantee. Once signed, notarized, and recorded, the deed becomes part of the public land records for that property.
Common types include the warranty deed, which promises clear title, the quitclaim deed, which transfers whatever interest the grantor has without promises, and the bargain and sale deed often used in New Jersey. For the broader set of property and financing papers such as mortgages and affidavits of title, see our Real Estate page.
Can it be notarized online?
Often, yes. New Jersey allows remote online notarization of many deeds. The grantor signs on camera while a commissioned notary verifies identity and completes an acknowledgment, the certificate that says the grantor appeared and acknowledged signing.
Recording is a separate question. Whether a county clerk will record a remotely notarized deed depends on that county's rules, and in a sale or refinance your title company and lender may have requirements of their own. Confirm with the county recording office and any title company or attorney before you book.
What you'll need
- Your unsigned deed as a PDF. Do not sign it in advance.
- A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
- The correct legal description and property details already filled in.
- A device with a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection.
- Any witnesses the county or your form requires, ready to appear if needed.
How BKS Notary helps
You meet a commissioned New Jersey notary in a live video session. The notary confirms your identity, watches the grantor sign, and completes the acknowledgment on the record.
You receive a tamper-evident, sealed PDF that you, your attorney, or your title company can then submit for recording. The audio-video recording and notarial record are retained in line with New Jersey's requirements.
What the notary does not do
The notary verifies identity, witnesses the signature, and completes the certificate. The notary does not give legal advice, does not prepare or review the deed, does not decide which type of deed you should use, and does not record the deed with the county.
The notary cannot guarantee that a county office will accept and record the finished deed. Because a deed changes property ownership, consider working with a real estate attorney or title company to prepare it.
Common issues
- Already signed. The notary must watch the grantor sign. Upload a clean, unsigned deed.
- Incomplete legal description. The property description and details must be filled in before the session.
- Recording requirements. Counties vary on formatting and notarization. Check with the recording office first.
- Name mismatch. The grantor's name on the ID should match the deed exactly. Contact us first if it does not.
Frequently asked questions
Can a deed be notarized online in New Jersey?
Often yes. New Jersey allows remote online notarization of many deeds. Whether a given deed can then be recorded depends on the county recording office and, in a sale or refinance, on your title company. Confirm they accept remote online notarization before your session.
Who has to sign the deed?
Generally the person transferring the property, the grantor, signs and is notarized. The person receiving the property, the grantee, usually does not need to sign. Check your specific deed and any county requirements.
Do you record the deed for me?
No. We notarize your signature and give you a sealed PDF. Recording the deed with the county clerk is a separate step handled by you, your attorney, or your title company.
Start a Notarization
Meet a commissioned New Jersey notary online and get your deed sealed today.
Start a Notarization