Where to Notarize a Power of Attorney for a Child in New Jersey

You have the Power of Attorney form filled out. The parent signed it. Now you need to get it notarized — or do you? The answer in New Jersey is more nuanced than most people realize, and it affects whether schools and doctors will accept your paperwork.

What the Law Actually Requires

The statutory POA for a minor child under N.J.S.A. 3B:12-39 requires the delegating parent's signature and two attesting witnesses. If both parents have legal rights, the other parent's written consent is also required unless that parent is deceased, incapacitated or unavailable as defined by the statute. That's the baseline. The statute does not explicitly mandate notarization.

However, in practice, nearly every institution that reviews a minor POA — schools, pediatricians, hospitals, dental offices, pharmacies — expects to see a notary seal. Without one, you're likely to face pushback even though the document is technically valid with witnesses alone.

Get it notarized. The cost is minimal, and it eliminates an argument before it starts.

Free and Low-Cost Notary Options

Public libraries: Many New Jersey public libraries offer free notary services during regular hours. Call ahead — not every branch has a notary on staff every day, and some require an appointment. Libraries are also the best place to print the POA form if you don't have a printer at home.

Banks and credit unions: If you have an account at a bank or credit union, they typically notarize documents for free for customers. Walk in with ID and the completed (but unsigned) form — the parent signs in front of the notary.

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and shipping centers: New Jersey's current notary manual lists $2.50 per notarial act. These businesses may quote separate service charges, so call ahead for the total price and to confirm availability.

County offices: Some NJ county clerk offices provide notary services, though hours and fees vary.

Mobile notaries: If the parent is homebound, in a treatment facility, or otherwise unable to travel, a mobile notary can come to them. Ask for a total quote, including any travel charge, before booking. Search "mobile notary" plus your county.

When the Parent Is Incarcerated

If the parent is in a county jail or state prison, they can still sign a POA. Contact the facility's social worker or case manager to arrange for:

• The parent to sign the form in the presence of witnesses
• Notarization through the facility (many NJ correctional facilities have notary services available to inmates for legal documents)

This takes coordination and time — plan for at least a week, sometimes more, depending on the facility's scheduling.

What to Bring to the Notary

• The completed but unsigned POA form — the delegating parent must sign in front of the notary. If both parents have legal rights, include the other parent's written consent or the required certification of unavailability
• Two witnesses — they also sign in front of the notary. Witnesses should be adults who are not the caregiver named in the POA
• Government-issued photo ID for the parent (driver's license, state ID, passport)
• Your ID as the designated caregiver (the notary may want to verify everyone's identity)

Do not sign the form before arriving at the notary. The entire point of notarization is that the notary watches the signers execute the document and verifies their identity.

The "No Printer" Problem

Many kinship caregivers — especially grandparents on fixed incomes — don't have home printers. The POA form under N.J.S.A. 3B:12-39(h) is available through the NJ Legislature's website and legal aid resources.

To print it:

• Public libraries — most NJ libraries offer free or low-cost printing (typically $0.10–$0.25 per page). Some libraries will help you navigate to the form online
• Pharmacy kiosks — Staples, Office Depot and some pharmacies have self-service printing stations
• Legal aid offices — if you're working with Legal Services of New Jersey or a county legal aid organization, they can often provide printed forms

After Notarization

Make copies. Keep the original in a safe place and carry copies to:

• Every school appointment (enrollment, parent-teacher conferences, field trip permissions)
• Every medical and dental visit
• The pharmacy when picking up prescriptions

Some caregivers keep a photo of the notarized POA on their phone as a quick reference when questioned unexpectedly.

Our New Jersey School and Medical Consent Guide covers the full POA process — when to use it, what it covers, and the alternative paths when notarization isn't possible — plus the separate affidavit process for school enrollment that doesn't require the parent's signature at all.

See more New Jersey guides →