How to Become a Notary in NC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Role of a Notary Public in North Carolina

Before you begin the process of becoming a notary public in North Carolina, it’s important to understand the responsibilities and duties that come with the position. A notary public is a public official appointed by the North Carolina Secretary of State to act as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents.

The main role of a notary public is to verify the identity of the signatories, ensure they are signing the document of their own free will, and that they understand the contents of the document. This helps to prevent fraud and forgery in legal transactions.

As a notary public, you may be called upon to notarize a wide range of documents, including deeds, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and contracts. You may also be asked to administer oaths and affirmations.

It’s important to note that being a notary public is not the same as being a licensed attorney. A notary public cannot provide legal advice or services, and should not offer opinions on the content of legal documents.

By understanding the role of a notary public in North Carolina, you’ll be better prepared to take on the responsibilities of the position and serve as a valuable asset to your community.

Meeting the Eligibility Requirements for Notary Public Appointment

To become a notary public in North Carolina, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Residency: You must be a legal resident of North Carolina or reside in a state that shares a border with North Carolina and conduct business or have employment in North Carolina.
3. Criminal Record: You must have no felony convictions or convictions of crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.
4. Education: There are no specific education requirements to become a notary public in North Carolina.
5. Application: You must complete the notary public application process and pay the application fee.

In addition to these requirements, you must also be able to read and write in English, have a basic understanding of North Carolina notary laws, and be of good moral character.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you can move on to the next step in the process of becoming a notary public in North Carolina.

Completing the Notary Public Application Process in North Carolina

Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility requirements for becoming a notary public in North Carolina, you can begin the application process.

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Obtain the Application: You can download the notary public application from the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website or request a paper copy by mail.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application with your personal information, including your full name, address, and contact information.
3. Obtain a Surety Bond: You must obtain a $10,000 surety bond from an insurance or bonding company authorized to do business in North Carolina. The bond ensures that you will fulfill your duties as a notary public.
4. Obtain a Passport-Sized Photo: You must provide a recent passport-sized photo to include with your application.
5. Submit the Application: Once you have completed the application, obtained the surety bond and passport-sized photo, and paid the application fee, you can submit your application to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office.

It’s important to ensure that all information on the application is accurate and up-to-date. Any mistakes or inaccuracies could delay the processing of your application.

After you submit your application, the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office will review it and notify you of the status. If your application is approved, you can move on to the next step in the process.

Taking the Notary Public Oath and Getting Your Commission

Once your application to become a notary public in North Carolina has been approved, you will need to take the notary public oath and obtain your commission.

The steps to do so are as follows:

1. Receive Notification: After your application has been approved, you will receive notification from the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office with instructions on taking the oath and obtaining your commission.
2. Schedule an Appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment with a notary public administrator to take the oath and obtain your commission. You can find a list of notary public administrators on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.
3. Bring Required Items: You will need to bring your surety bond and a valid form of identification to your appointment.
4. Take the Oath: At your appointment, you will take the notary public oath, swearing to uphold the duties and responsibilities of a notary public in North Carolina.
5. Obtain Your Commission: After taking the oath, you will be given your notary public commission, which is valid for four years.

Once you have your commission, you can begin performing notarial acts in North Carolina. It’s important to remember that you must always follow the North Carolina notary laws and regulations when performing notarial acts. Failure to do so could result in the revocation of your commission.

Maintaining Your Notary Public Commission in North Carolina

After obtaining your notary public commission in North Carolina, it’s important to maintain it by staying up-to-date with the requirements and regulations.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Renewal: Your notary public commission is valid for four years. To renew your commission, you must complete the renewal application and pay the renewal fee before the expiration date.
2. Education: North Carolina notaries public are required to complete a notary public education course every four years as a condition of renewal.
3. Record-Keeping: You must keep accurate records of all notarial acts you perform, including the date, type of document, and the names and addresses of the parties involved.
4. Seal and Journal: You must use an official notary public seal and keep a record of all notarial acts in a journal.
5. Resignation or Revocation: If you wish to resign your notary public commission, you must send a letter of resignation to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office. If your commission is revoked for any reason, you must immediately stop performing notarial acts.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about any changes to North Carolina notary laws and regulations, you can maintain your notary public commission and continue to serve your community as a trusted notary public.