Welcome to the exciting world of Notary Publicship in the great state of North Carolina! If you're considering becoming a Notary Public or are already one, you're in for a rewarding journey. Being a Notary in the Tar Heel State comes with unique responsibilities and privileges, and understanding the ins and outs of the role is key to a successful notarial career.

• The Basics of Notary Public in North Carolina:
  In North Carolina, a Notary Public is an appointed public officer with the authority to witness and authenticate signatures, administer oaths, and certify copies of certain documents. The primary goal is to ensure the integrity of important transactions and legal documents.

• Becoming a Notary in North Carolina:
  To embark on your Notary journey, you'll need to meet specific eligibility requirements outlined by the North Carolina Secretary of State. 

  1. Being at least 18 years old

  2. A legal resident of the state

  3. Having a clean criminal record

  4. PASS the state notary public exam

• The Notary Public Commission:
  Upon successful completion of the application process, you'll receive your Notary commission from the Secretary of State. This commission is your official authorization to act as a Notary Public in North Carolina and is valid for a term of five years. I have seen this process take anywhere from 1 week up to 3 weeks depending on when in the year you submit your paperwork. Don't forget the secretary of state employees take holidays, so if you're in a rush to get your commission, SUBMIT your APPLICATION as soon as you PASS!

• Roles and Responsibilities:
  As a Notary Public, your primary duties include but are not limited too:

  1. verifying the identity of document signers

  2. ensuring their willingness to sign without coercion

  3. confirming that they understand the contents of the document

Additionally, you'll be responsible for maintaining a journal of your notarial acts, which adds an extra layer of protection for all parties involved.

• Notary Tools of the Trade:
  Every Notary needs the right tools. In North Carolina, you need:

  1. Notary seal 

  2. Notary Journal

The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the county of your residence, and the commission expiration date. A well-kept journal will help you track your notarial acts, providing a record in case questions arise in the future. This used to be optional but now it is a requirement in the State of North Carolina as of June 23,2023. Here is the link to the bill that passed senate (NC Senate Bill 552 PASSED).

• Staying Informed and Updated:
  Notary laws and regulations can evolve, so it's crucial to stay informed. Regularly check the North Carolina Secretary of State's website for updates, attend continuing education courses, and engage with professional organizations to stay abreast of changes that may affect your notarial practices. I have found that once you sign up with the NNA (National Notary Association) most of the updates will be there in a timely manner, but you can always follow the house and senate bills to find the most up to date information but be prepared to READ!

Thats all from me. If you enjoyed the blog send us an email. We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. Have a blessed day!