Since January 1 of this year, persons desiring to become notaries public have been required to complete a course of study on the responsibilities of a notary public prior to their first appointment by the Secretary of State.

For the past two years the Secretary of State has offered a voluntary workshop for notaries public, because of the perceived need by public officials for notaries to be more aware of the seriousness of their office, a mandatory training component has been implemented placing the responsibility for notary public training in the community college system.

Instructors in the community college system and potential instructors from local communities have been trained to teach the course. The continuing education divisions in the community college system are now offering this three- to six-hour program to local communities on demand and in cooperation with local Register of Deeds offices.

North Carolina is the very first state in the nation to attempt this endeavor.