How to Become a Notary Public in British Columbia

Notaries in British Columbia are subject to the highest ethical and maturity requirements. The procedure of becoming a notary is incredibly rigorous, and only the most qualified candidates will be able to complete it. Prospective notaries must complete an 18-month training school, pass a series of difficult exams, and have the Supreme Court of British Columbia deem them worthy of being a notary.

Get your bachelor’s degree. To become a notary, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Complete the preliminary application form. In the resources section, you’ll find a link to the application form.

Obtain a criminal record check. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police must conduct a criminal records check on you. A criminal records check costs $25 Canadian. In the resources section, you’ll find a link to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Assemble supporting documentation. A copy of your transcripts, a resume, and proof of a criminal background check are all required.

Fill out and submit your application. Send your pre-application, transcripts, résumé, criminal background check, and $900 filing fee to:

Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia Box 44 Suite 1220-625 Howe St. Vancouver, BC V6C 2T6

Undergo a background investigation. Your education and finances will be investigated by the Society of Notaries. Your friends, neighbors and previous employers may be contacted and asked to write letters with regard to your character. This initial screening may take up to a year to complete.

Attend an interview. If your background is found to be satisfactory, you will be contacted for an interview. If you are successful, you will be approved for the program.

Complete the 18-month Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies program at Simon Fraser University.

Complete six weeks of practical training with the Society of Notaries. At the completion, you will become a notary.

LET JURIS NOTARY HELP

Do you need to consult with someone about your legal matters or need to get any documents notarized? Get in touch with Juris Notary, and we’ll be happy to help you out or point you in the correct direction if need be.