How Attorneys Can Become Notaries
By Greetings!
As a licensed attorney, I can confidently say that you will at some point deal with documents in your line of work, whether you are in litigation or do transactional work, or whether you are in public service or in the private sector.
Furthermore, aside from work, let’s not forget about the family members and friends, or even a stranger, who may need something notarized and would love to utilize your services as an attorney, notary or both. Thus, I strongly recommend that you become a notary.
Great news! As an attorney, you don’t have to sit and take the notary test. You can relax that the stress of taking the bar exam was well worth it because you essentially received a 2 for 1: you became a licensed attorney, and you can also become a notary for only $50!
How to Become a Notary in North Carolina
- Get a North Carolina Notary Public Manual. The latest version is the 2016 copy. You can purchase a copy.
- Complete the NC notary application and get it notarized. The application can be found online.
- Don’t forget to include your application fee of $50. A cashier’s check is preferred. If you send a personal check, they will send it back, and it will delay your process. Also, do not send cash.
- After you submit your application in the mail, you will receive a letter confirming your approval and providing you with instructions to take your oath. You must appear before the Register of Deeds office in your commission county within 45 days of the issue date to take your oath of office.
- Take your oath of office in your county of residence. You will be asked to swear or affirm, take the oath aloud, and then you will receive your commission within a few minutes.
- Buy your Notary seal. You can purchase it online.
Congratulations! In addition to being a licensed attorney, you now wear the hat of notary.