How to Fill Out the New Jersey Annual Attorney Registration Statement (NJ) + FAQs

The New Jersey Annual Attorney Registration Statement is the yearly online filing that every lawyer licensed in New Jersey must complete with the New Jersey Judiciary to confirm their identity, contact details, license history, and practice status. You file it through the Judiciary’s Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center, and you pay an annual assessment at the same time. The 2026 cycle opened January 20, 2026, and the deadline to finish both registration and payment is March 20, 2026.

This filing is required by Court Rule 1:20-1 and applies even if you do not practice, live out of state, or work for the government. Miss the deadline, give false answers, or skip the trust account questions, and you can be declared ineligible to practice law in New Jersey. About 100,000 attorneys are registered in New Jersey, and each year a notable share land on the ineligible list simply because they forgot to register or pay on time.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

• 📋 What the Registration Statement screen asks and how each field maps to the official online form
• 🧾 The exact documents, ID numbers, and insurance certificates to gather before you log in
• 💳 How to file across every channel, including the rare paper exception, and what the $267 fee covers
• ⚠️ The field-level mistakes that trigger an ineligible status and how to avoid them
• 🔁 What happens after you submit, how to fix errors, and how to reactivate a lapsed license

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

The Annual Attorney Registration Statement is the first screen in the New Jersey Judiciary’s annual registration and payment process. It is a sworn statement where you confirm your name, Attorney ID, date of birth, out-of-state license history, and agreement to courtroom rules. The New Jersey Courts attorney registration page hosts the application, and the Superior Court Clerk’s Office processes it.

The rule behind the form is Court Rule 1:20-1(c), which requires every licensed attorney to register each year and keep contact information current. In plain English, the rule means your license is not “set and forget”; you must check in yearly. If you ignore it, the consequence is real: the Supreme Court can declare you ineligible, which means you cannot practice law in the state until you fix it. For example, Janet, a tax lawyer who moved to Florida but kept her New Jersey license, still has to register every year even though she never sets foot in a New Jersey courtroom. A common myth is that only courtroom lawyers must register, but the rule covers every licensed attorney, retired or not.

Everyone admitted to the New Jersey Bar must file. That includes active private-practice lawyers, government attorneys, in-house counsel, judges, retired lawyers, and attorneys living abroad. The agency that receives the filing is the Judiciary through the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, while the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection collects the annual assessment. There is no “inactive status” in New Jersey, so even lawyers who never practice must register or formally resign or retire.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything before you log in, because the session can time out and the system goes down nightly for maintenance. Having your details ready turns a stressful task into a ten-minute job. Below is your pre-filing checklist.

• Your Attorney ID (the 9-digit number). This is your username for the portal, and you cannot log in without it; if you lost it, find it on the attorney search tool.
• Your temporary password from the billing card or activation email. You need it for a first-time login, and without it you must request a new activation email.
• Your correct date of birth on file. The form shows your date of birth, and if it is wrong you must email a correction, which delays nothing but should be fixed for accuracy.
• A list of every other U.S. state where you hold or held a license. The form asks for your full jurisdiction license history, and missing a state can create a false certification.
• Your current firm name, address, email, and phone. Rule 1:20-1(c) requires accurate contact data, and outdated info means you miss official notices.
• A Certificate of Professional Liability Insurance (if you practice as a PC, LLC, or LLP, or otherwise carry coverage). You must upload it under Rule 1:21-1A through 1D, and missing it can flag your firm.
• A credit card, debit card, or e-check for the $267 fee. Payment is part of the same session, and an unpaid registration is treated as incomplete.
• Your IOLTA trust account details (bank, account number). You confirm trust accounts during registration, and a separate IOLTA Fund registration under Rule 1:28A is also required for firms holding client money.
• A working email that is not blocking Judiciary messages. The activation link arrives by email, and spam filters often eat it, so add the Judiciary to your safe-sender list.

If any item is missing, you can usually still start, but you may have to stop and restart. The biggest pain comes from missing insurance certificates and the activation email, so handle those first.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

There is no paper form to download for most attorneys. The Registration Statement lives entirely inside the Judiciary’s Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center, often called CAMS. You reach it from the annual attorney registration page, then log in with your Attorney ID and password.

To log in for the first time, use your Attorney ID as the User ID and the temporary password printed on your billing card. After you set a new password, you must click the activation link in the email the system sends, or your account stays locked. If the activation email never arrives, click “Request Activation Email” on the login screen and check your spam folder, because Judiciary messages often get filtered. The portal is open 24 hours a day except during nightly maintenance, and on the final day it closes at 10 p.m.

Attorneys who live and practice outside the United States cannot reach the website because of security rules. They may request a paper Request for Exception from Electronic Registration from the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection no later than December 15 each year. If granted, a paper form arrives by mail about three weeks after electronic registration opens. The Judiciary also offers free training resources and an eCourts instruction page to walk you through access.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the NJ Registration Statement Line by Line

The Registration Statement screen is the first step in the process, and it appears before the Contact Information, Pro Bono, CLE, and Payment screens. Review every field carefully, because clicking “Next” certifies that everything is true. Below is each field in the order it appears on the official form.

Attorney Name

This field asks for your full legal name exactly as it is recorded with the Supreme Court. You do not type it fresh; the system shows the name already on file, such as ETHAN ALLEN, and you simply confirm it is correct. To change it, click on your name to open the name-change or correction form.

For example, Ethan Allen sees his name in all capital letters and confirms it matches his bar admission record. If your name is wrong because you married, divorced, or changed it legally, do not just edit it here; attorneys who change names after admission must file a name change affidavit with the Board of Bar Examiners. A common mistake is typing a nickname or a new married name without filing the affidavit, which creates a mismatch between your registration and your official bar record. The misconception is that the registration screen can legally change your name, but it only requests a correction; the affidavit is what makes it official.

Attorney ID

This field shows your unique 9-digit Attorney ID, such as 007242004, and it cannot be changed. The number is your permanent identity in every Judiciary system, and it doubles as your login User ID. You only need to confirm it is yours.

For example, Ethan Allen checks that the ID 007242004 on the screen matches the ID on his billing card. If you ever see an Attorney ID that is not yours, stop and contact the Superior Court Clerk’s Office at (609) 421-6100, because filing under the wrong ID means you certified someone else’s record. A common mistake is confusing the Attorney ID with a bar exam seat number or a firm ID, which leads people to think the field is wrong when it is not. The misconception is that you can update or “fix” your Attorney ID; you cannot, since it is assigned for life.

Date of Birth

This field displays your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format, such as 07/10/1971. You confirm it is accurate rather than entering it. The date helps the Judiciary match you to the correct record and prevents identity mix-ups among attorneys with similar names.

For example, Ethan Allen sees 07/10/1971 and confirms it is right. If the date is wrong, click on the date to open a draft email, or send a correction to SupremeCTInternet.Mailbox@njcourts.gov. The nuance is that you cannot type over the date yourself; you must request the change by email and then click “Done.” A common mistake is ignoring a wrong birth date because it “doesn’t matter,” but an incorrect date can slow future identity checks and certificate requests. The misconception is that the birth date is editable on the screen, when in fact only the Judiciary can change it.

U.S. Jurisdiction License History (Excluding New Jersey and Federal Courts)

This field asks for every other U.S. state or territory where you have ever been licensed to practice law. The form lists each license by year and jurisdiction, for example 2019 HAWAII and 2017 PENNSYLVANIA. You review what is already listed and add anything missing by clicking “Add License.”

For example, Ethan Allen sees Hawaii from 2019 already entered, then clicks “Add License” to add his Pennsylvania license from 2017. The nuance is that you can only modify licenses you entered during the current login session; to change anything entered earlier, you must email OAE.mailbox@njcourts.gov. A common mistake is leaving off a state where you were once admitted, even if your license there is now inactive, which can amount to a false certification under penalty of discipline. The misconception is that only active out-of-state licenses count, but the form asks for every jurisdiction where you were ever licensed.

Electronic Devices in New Jersey Courtrooms

This field asks you to agree to follow the Supreme Court’s guidelines on using electronic devices in courtrooms. It is a simple acknowledgment, and you confirm it by proceeding. This agreement displays only for New Jersey and Pro Hac Vice attorney types.

For example, Ethan Allen, an active New Jersey litigator, reviews the linked guidelines and agrees so he can use his laptop and phone in court within the rules. The nuance is that out-of-state or certain non-litigating attorney types may not see this field at all, so do not worry if it is absent. A common mistake is skipping the linked guidelines and assuming you know the rules, which can lead to a phone being confiscated or contempt in a courtroom. The misconception is that this agreement bans devices, when it actually permits their use as long as you follow the posted rules.

Certification of Information

This is the final and most serious part of the screen. By clicking “Next,” you certify that every statement you made is true, and you acknowledge that any willfully false statement subjects you to discipline. There is no separate signature box; the click is your sworn signature.

For example, Ethan Allen re-reads his name, ID, birth date, and license history one last time, then clicks “Next” to certify and move to the Contact Information screen. The nuance is that you can click “Back” to fix anything before you certify, so use that button if you spot an error. A common mistake is rushing the click without reviewing the license history, which can turn an honest oversight into a false certification and an ethics problem. The misconception is that certification is a mere formality; in reality it is a sworn statement, and willful falsehoods can lead to attorney discipline.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Below are three common filers walking through the Registration Statement from start to finish. Each shows what the person enters or confirms in the main sections of the form.

Scenario 1: Solo Practitioner With a Trust Account

Maria Lopez runs her own small firm in Newark, holds client funds, and carries malpractice insurance.

Form Section	What Maria Enters or Confirms
Attorney Name	Confirms MARIA LOPEZ as shown on file
Attorney ID	Confirms her 9-digit ID 011552010
Date of Birth	Confirms 05/22/1984 is correct
U.S. Jurisdiction License History	Adds 2012 NEW YORK using Add License
Electronic Devices	Agrees to courtroom device guidelines
Insurance	Uploads her solo Certificate of Insurance under R. 1:21-1D
IOLTA / Trust Account	Confirms her active IOLTA trust account
Certification	Clicks Next to certify all statements true

Scenario 2: Large-Firm Associate Whose Admin Handles Insurance

Marcus Bell is a third-year associate at a 200-lawyer firm in Jersey City; the firm administrator uploads the firm’s insurance.

Form Section	What Marcus Enters or Confirms
Attorney Name	Confirms MARCUS BELL on file
Attorney ID	Confirms his ID 022447019
Date of Birth	Confirms 09/03/1996
U.S. Jurisdiction License History	Confirms none outside New Jersey
Electronic Devices	Agrees to courtroom device guidelines
Insurance	Leaves upload to firm administrator’s bulk filing
Practice of NJ Law	Answers “Yes,” he practices New Jersey law
Certification	Clicks Next, then pays the $267 fee

Scenario 3: Retired Out-of-State Attorney

Janet Pierce is fully retired from practice and lives in Florida but still holds a New Jersey license.

Form Section	What Janet Enters or Confirms
Attorney Name	Confirms JANET PIERCE on file
Attorney ID	Confirms her ID 003318001
Date of Birth	Confirms 11/14/1949
U.S. Jurisdiction License History	Adds 1976 NEW YORK
Electronic Devices	Field may not display for her type
Practice of NJ Law	Answers “No,” she no longer practices
Payment Exemption	Requests the retired exemption from the fee
Certification	Clicks Next to certify and submit

How to File the Completed Form

Most attorneys file one way: online. A small group abroad may use the paper exception. Below is every channel with the details you need.

Online (the standard channel). File at the Online Registration and Payment Center. The fee is $267 for 2026, payable by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system processes payment instantly and gives you an on-screen receipt; save or print that receipt as your proof of filing. You can use a phone, but a laptop or desktop works better. The portal runs 24/7 except for nightly maintenance, and it closes at 10 p.m. on the final day.

Paper (exception only). Attorneys living and practicing outside the United States request a Request for Exception form from the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection by December 15. If approved, the paper form is mailed about three weeks after registration opens, and you mail it back with payment to the address printed on the form. Keep a copy and your mailing receipt as proof.

Help by phone. If you get stuck, the Superior Court Clerk’s Office answers at (609) 421-6100 seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can also email SCCOAttyReg.mbx@njcourts.gov, using a clear subject line so staff can route your question quickly.

What Happens After You File

Once you submit and pay, the system issues a confirmation receipt on screen. Keep this receipt, because it is your only proof that you registered and paid on time. You can confirm your good standing later through the attorney search and ineligible list tools.

If you complete registration but skip payment, the filing is treated as incomplete, and you risk landing on the ineligible list. Attorneys who do not register or pay are declared ineligible and not in good standing, which legally bars them from practicing law in New Jersey. For example, Marcus checks the public list a week after filing to confirm his name does not appear, giving him peace of mind before a court appearance.

You can update your registration any time during the year. Rule 1:20-1(c) requires you to report changes to your contact information or firm within 30 days. If your circumstances change, such as moving firms or closing a trust account, log back into the portal and update your record so official notices still reach you.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Each field on this form is a chance to slip up, and small errors carry real consequences. Watch for these specific mistakes.

• Missing the March 20, 2026 deadline. You get declared ineligible and cannot practice until you cure it.
• Registering but not paying the $267 fee. The filing stays incomplete and counts as non-compliance.
• Leaving off a state from your license history. This can become a willful false certification subject to discipline.
• Editing your name on screen without filing a name-change affidavit. Your record mismatches your official bar identity.
• Ignoring a wrong date of birth. Future identity checks and certificate requests slow down.
• Skipping the insurance certificate upload as a PC, LLC, or LLP. You violate Rule 1:21-1A through 1C and flag your firm.
• Assuming “inactive status” exists in New Jersey. It does not, so you owe the fee or must resign or retire.
• Believing government lawyers are exempt from payment. Judges, prosecutors, and public defenders still must pay.
• Letting the activation email get caught in spam. You never finish login and miss the deadline.
• Closing the browser before saving the receipt. You lose your only proof of timely filing.
• Answering “No” to practicing New Jersey law when you provide NJ legal services. This is a false answer that can trigger review.
• Waiting until the last evening to file. The system closes at 10 p.m. and may be down for maintenance.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Do gather your Attorney ID, password, and insurance certificate first, because the session can time out.
• Do review every prefilled field, since clicking Next certifies all of it as true.
• Do add every out-of-state jurisdiction, because the form asks for all licenses you ever held.
• Do save the on-screen receipt, as it is your only proof of timely filing.
• Do file early in the cycle, so a system outage near the deadline cannot trap you.
• Do update contact info within 30 days of any change, which Rule 1:20-1(c) requires.

Don’t:

• Don’t assume only practicing lawyers must register, because retired and out-of-state attorneys must too.
• Don’t try to edit your legal name on the screen alone, since a name-change affidavit is required.
• Don’t skip the fee thinking registration is enough, because both must be done.
• Don’t wait for the activation email passively, since spam filters often hide it.
• Don’t ignore the insurance question if you practice as a PC, LLC, or LLP, as upload is mandatory.
• Don’t claim a payment exemption you do not qualify for, because exemptions are narrowly defined.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Most attorneys file the registration themselves, but firm administrators often handle parts of it for large offices. Here is how the two approaches compare.

Pros of filing on your own:

• Full control, because you confirm every field personally and catch errors yourself.
• No reliance on others, so nothing stalls if a colleague is out.
• Immediate receipt, since you see the confirmation the moment you pay.
• Privacy, as your birth date and license history stay in your own hands.
• Speed, because a prepared solo filer can finish in about ten minutes.

Cons of filing on your own (and pros of firm help):

• You must track the insurance certificate yourself, which firm admins handle in bulk.
• You carry the full deadline risk alone, while firms send reminders.
• Tech errors fall to you, such as activation emails and JavaScript issues.
• No second set of eyes on your certifications, raising the chance of a missed jurisdiction.
• Payment logistics are yours, where firms may centralize fee payment for associates.

NJ Registration Statement vs. IOLTA Fund Registration

Attorneys often confuse the Judiciary’s annual registration with the separate IOLTA Fund registration. They are different filings under different rules.

Feature	Annual Attorney Registration	IOLTA Fund Registration
Who runs it	NJ Judiciary, Superior Court Clerk’s Office	IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey
Governing rule	Rule 1:20-1	Rule 1:28A
What it covers	Identity, contacts, license, $267 fee	Trust account roster and compliance
Who must file	Every licensed attorney	Firms holding client trust funds
2026 deadline	March 20, 2026	Set separately by the IOLTA Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still have to register if I am retired?

Yes. Rule 1:20-1(c) requires every licensed attorney to register yearly, even retirees. Fully retired attorneys may request the retired exemption from the assessment fee, but they must still register.

Do I have to pay the fee if I am a government lawyer?

No exemption applies to most of them. Judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and other government lawyers must pay the annual $267 assessment like everyone else.

Can I put my license in inactive status in New Jersey?

No. New Jersey has no inactive status. You must register and pay, claim a narrow exemption, or formally resign or retire from the Bar.

Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Attorney Name field?

No, you do not type either one. The field shows your name on file; to change it you must file a name-change affidavit with the Board of Bar Examiners.

Should I list out-of-state licenses I no longer use in the License History field?

Yes. The field asks for every U.S. jurisdiction where you were ever licensed, active or not, so include all of them.

Can I edit my date of birth directly on the form?

No. You cannot type over it. Click the date to open a correction email or write to SupremeCTInternet.Mailbox@njcourts.gov.

Do I answer “Yes” to practicing New Jersey law if my firm is in NJ but I practice elsewhere?

Yes only if you provide legal services related to New Jersey law. If you do not provide NJ legal services, answer “No.”

Do I need to upload proof of insurance?

Yes if you practice as a PC, LLC, or LLP, or otherwise carry liability coverage. Solo practitioners with insurance must upload their own certificate.

Can I complete the registration on my mobile phone?

Yes, the portal works on mobile devices. The Judiciary still recommends a laptop or desktop for a smoother experience.

Can I access the site after business hours?

Yes. The portal is open 24 hours a day except during nightly maintenance. On the final day, it closes at 10 p.m.

Do attorneys living outside the United States register online?

No. Security rules block overseas access. They must request a paper exception form from the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection by December 15.

Will I get proof that my filing succeeded?

Yes. The system shows a receipt once you complete registration and pay. Save or print it as your proof of timely filing.

Can I reactivate my license after losing a payment exemption?

Yes. Log in to the Online Registration and Payment Center, update your information, and pay the current year’s fee to return to good standing.