Surrogates, registers of deeds and mortgages, county clerks, clerks of courts, sheriffs and the Secretary of State, for their own protection, may exact in advance of a service the fees and costs therefor.
For convenience, such officers may receive reasonable deposits in advance to meet the fees and costs of persons who may desire such services, except that sheriffs and the Clerk of the Superior Court shall be required so to do. Such officers shall account to depositors at least once in four months for the sums deposited, except that the Clerk of the Supreme Court, the Clerk of the Superior Court, sheriffs, and the Secretary of State shall so account at least annually.
The Secretary of State shall provide for the establishment of accounts for persons making application therefor, under such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the Secretary of State.
N.J.S. § 22A:4-19