How to Become a Notary Near Me in NC (North Carolina)
Embarking on the journey to become a Public Notary Near Me in North Carolina involves a series of straightforward steps:
- First, ensure you fulfill all the eligibility criteria set by North Carolina.
- Enroll in the mandatory Notary Public Course offered by the state.
- Obtain your North Carolina Notary Public Guidebook, available at local community colleges or The School of Government at UNC Chapel Hill.
- Attend the Notary Public Course at a community college near you.
- Successfully pass the North Carolina Notary Public exam, achieving a minimum score of 80%.
- Fill out the application form and have it notarized.
- Forward your completed application, recent resume, a $50 application fee, and a business card (if available) to the Secretary of State within three months of course completion.
- Await the Notary Oath Notification Letter from the Secretary of State, which will be sent via email.
- Within a 45-day window, take your official oath of office and receive your commission from the Register of Deeds in your county.
- Pay the $10 oath fee.
- Acquire your Notary seal.
- Maintain a journal and to limit personal financial risk, consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance
Hear How to Become a Notary in NC straight from the Secretary of State:
Exploring the North Carolina Notary Process: Costs and Duration
In this section, we delve into the financial and temporal aspects of obtaining a Notary Public commission in North Carolina.
Cost Breakdown:
- State Commission Fee: The basic fee set by the state is $50.
- Notary Seal: The price of your notary seal is subject to variation based on your chosen vendor.
For both new and renewing Notaries, the overall cost of commissioning can vary. This includes differences in supply package prices across various vendors. New Notaries often find themselves investing in additional resources like instructional books, training programs, and expert guidance to navigate the process smoothly.
Be aware that some vendors might include extra charges in their packages, such as processing fees. Training offerings are often part of packages aimed at new Notaries, but it’s important to note that the quality of these educational resources can differ significantly. While some vendors provide bespoke Notary courses, others may lack the in-house expertise for such educational content development. A select few vendors go the extra mile to offer live Q&A support for Notaries, a feature that might not be available with all providers.
Time Considerations:
Application Processing Time:
The processing time for your application typically spans up to two weeks, provided your submission is complete and error-free.
Commission Validity (How long does a North Carolina Notary commission last?)
Once obtained, a North Carolina Notary commission is valid for a period of five years.
Eligibility and Requirements for Becoming a Notary in North Carolina
To qualify as a Notary in North Carolina, individuals must meet several basic criteria:
- Age and Legal Status: Candidates must be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated.
- Residency and Business Operations: Applicants should either reside in North Carolina or regularly conduct business in the state.
- U.S. Legal Residency: Being a legal resident of the United States is mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English is required.
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or its equivalent is necessary.
- Notary Manual: Applicants must possess the latest Notary manual approved by the North Carolina Secretary of State.
- Criminal Background: Individuals should not have completed incarceration, probation, or parole within the past 10 years.
North Carolina Notary Training and Examination Requirements
- Training Course: New applicants must complete a six-hour training course at a local community college, except for attorneys who are exempt. The North Carolina Notary Public Guidebook is a required material and can be obtained from local community colleges or The School of Government at UNC Chapel Hill.
- Examination: Aspiring Notaries must pass an exam, requiring a score of 80% or higher. There are three chances to pass the exam within a 30-day period, after which retaking the course is necessary for another exam attempt.
Notary Supplies
- Notary Seal: A mandatory item for notarization, the seal can be a stamp or embosser, circular (1.5″ – 2″ in diameter) or rectangular (up to 2.5″ in length and 1″ in height). It should include the Notary’s name as on the commission, “Notary Public” title, county of commission, “North Carolina” or “NC”, and optionally, the commission expiration date. If the expiration date is not on the seal, it must be written on or stamped separately on each notarized document.
- Journal: While not obligatory, a journal with numbered pages and tamper-proof sewn construction is recommended for record-keeping and legal security. Simple notebooks or glue-bound journals are less secure.
- Vendor Packages: Supplies are often available in packages, which vary in quality and content. The choice depends on the Notary’s experience level and the types of notarizations performed.
Do I Need Bond and Insurance as a North Carolina Notary?
- While a bond is not necessary for North Carolina Notaries, many opt for optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance as a safeguard against legal expenses, though it is not a requirement in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions as a Notary Public in North Carolina
What State Government Office is in Charge of Notaries?
State Oversight for Notaries: In North Carolina, the Secretary of State’s office, situated in Raleigh, NC, is responsible for issuing Notary Public commissions. This state government entity oversees the entire process of commissioning Notaries.
Can anyone help me become a Notary?
Guidance and Support for Aspiring Notaries: For those looking to become a Notary, there is ample support available. A variety of companies provide comprehensive services, including Notary training, supply procurement, insurance options, and guidance throughout the application process. Additionally, the Secretary of State’s website is a valuable resource, offering application forms and detailed instructions for those preferring to initiate the process independently.
Where am I be able to notarize?
Notarization Jurisdiction: As a Notary in North Carolina, you are authorized to perform notarial acts anywhere within the state’s boundaries.
Who can I notarize for?
Restrictions on Notarial Services: There are important limitations regarding whom you can provide notarial services to:
- Personal Exclusions: You are prohibited from notarizing your own signature or any document where you are a party or stand to gain a benefit.
- Family Considerations: While notarizing for immediate family members is legally permissible, such as for vehicle title transfers for a spouse, it is generally advised against due to potential conflicts of interest.
- Workplace Limitations: If you are a Notary as part of your job, your employer may set specific guidelines or restrictions on the notarizations you can perform during work hours.
What if I move or Change my Name?
Changes in Personal Details: As a North Carolina Notary, if you change your name or move, you must inform the Secretary of State within 45 days. This notification, which includes both your old and new details, can be sent via fax, email, or certified mail with a return receipt. Alternatively, you can update your information on the Secretary’s website.
Relocating to a New County: If you move to a different county but within North Carolina, you can use your current seal until the time comes for commission renewal in your new county.
Name Changes: After a name change, you can operate under your old name until you receive confirmation from the Secretary. Then, you must acquire a new seal bearing your new name and requalify at the county Register of Deeds. Your old seal should be returned to the Secretary’s office by certified mail.
Name and County Changes: In cases of both name and county changes, you’ll need to apply for recommission. The process mirrors that of a name change, with the additional requirement of including your new county on your new seal.
How much legal risk will I face
Legal Risks: As a Public Notary Near Me , there’s always a risk of legal implications due to errors or misconduct, which could result in costly lawsuits. Diligence, law adherence, and meticulous record-keeping can significantly mitigate these risks.
What is the process to renew my commission as a North Carolina Notary?
Renewing Your Commission: Start the renewal process about 10 weeks before your commission expires. Use the North Carolina Department of Secretary of State’s Notary Reappointment page with your Notary number and password. The renewal process is similar to the initial commissioning, with attorneys and long-term Notaries since July 10, 1991, exempt from the exam. Once you receive your notification letter, take your oath at the Register of Deeds Office and pay the required fee. Your existing Notary seal is valid if it matches your new commission details.
How can I become an electronic Notary in North Carolina?
Becoming an Electronic Notary: We have an in depth article on How to Become an Online Notary in North Carolina. To become an electronic Notary Near Me in North Carolina, you must:
- First, have a traditional Notary commission.
- Then, complete a three-hour course
- Pass the exam
- Submit the online registration form, which must be notarized.
- Pay a $50 registration fee at the Secretary of State’s office
- Take your eNotary oath at the local Register of Deeds within 45 days.
- You’ll then receive your Electronic Notary Certificate to obtain an eNotary signature and seal.
Is Remote Online Notarization allowed in North Carolina?
Remote Online Notarization: North Carolina permited temporary emergency video notarization through June 30, 2024. Permanent laws for remote notarization have been effective since July 1, 2024.
