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 frequently face the need to acquire extra materials such as teaching books, workshops, and instructor assistance to go through the process with fewer problems.
Note that some of the vendors are likely to have hidden costs embedded in their packages, including processing fees. The training services usually come as a component of the newbie Notaries-oriented packages, but be aware of the fact that the content of the educational materials may vary greatly.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.
How to Become a Notary in NC (North Carolina)
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?)
A North Carolina Notary commission is permissible for five years after it is obtained.
Eligibility and Requirements for Becoming a Notary in North Carolina
Individuals should meet a series of basic criteria to be a Notary in North Carolina, such as establishing an official signature and obtaining a certificate from the Secretary of State.
- Age and Legal Status: Candidates should be not less than 18 years old and legally free from the guardianship of their parents.
- Residency and Business Operations: Candidates should either live in North Carolina or do business regularly in the state.
- U.S. Legal Residency: It is necessary for one to be a legal resident of the United States.
- Language Proficiency: Ability to communicate in English is required: reading, writing, and speaking.
- Educational Background: A high school degree or its counterpart is a must.
- Notary Manual: Every applicant is required to have the most recent Notary handbook that is endorsed by the Secretary of State of North Carolina.
- Criminal Background: People must not have been incarcerated, under probation, or on parole within the last 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 anyone who wishes to be a Notary, getting the necessary help is quite simple really. Several companies are in the service of providing full services such as Notary training, ensuring supply, offering insurance, and supporting through the application process. Not only that, but the Secretary of State’s website is a wellspring of information where you can not only get the necessary forms but also find out how you can do the process yourself besides others.
Where am I be able to notarize?
Notarization Jurisdiction: By serving as a Notary in North Carolina, you have been empowered to execute notarization in all places within the state’s borders.
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 forbidden from getting your own signature or one of being a party or one that brings some advantage notarized.
- Family Considerations: While it is legally possible to get notarization for a car title transfer for a spouse, it is usually unwise to do so due to chances of conflict of interest sporadically.
- Workplace Limitations: If being a notary is one of your professional responsibilities, your employer may have particular policies or rules about the notarizations, which you can complete in the company hours.
What if I move or Change my Name?
Changes in Personal Details: If you are a North Carolina Notary and you change your name or move, you must inform the Secretary of State within 45 days. This notice with both your old and new details can be communicated through a fax, email, or certified mail that has a return receipt. You can also give your updated information on the Secretary’s website.
Relocating to a New County: In case you move to a different county (within North Carolina), you can continue to use your current seal until the period of commission renewal in that new county is reached.
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:Being a public notary near me always implies the chance of getting involved in legal violations because of mistakes or wrongdoings, which could lead to expensive lawsuits. Carefulness, being law-abiding, and a good record-keeper are among the things that can considerably decrease these risks.
Wht is the process to renew my commission as a North Carolina Notary?
Renewing Your Commission: Start the renewal process around 10 weeks before the commission is due to expire. To get the required forms go to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website and sign in with the notary number and the 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 permitted temporary emergency video notarization through June 30, 2024. Permanent laws for remote notarization have been effective since July 1, 2024.
