In BC, non-lawyer notaries public are members of the Society of Notaries Public of BC. The usual route is SFU’s Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies, then the Notary Education Program and statutory exams.
BC notaries handle non-contentious legal work only, where the parties agree. Their work includes real estate transfers and mortgage refinancing, wills and estate planning, powers of attorney, affidavits and statutory declarations, and certifying documents. They do not argue cases in court. source
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | Non-lawyer notaries need the SFU Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies (or a Canadian JD/LL.B), then the Notary Education Program and statutory admission exams | source |
| Issuing body · Url | Official page | source |
| Credential | Membership in SNPBC after statutory exams | source |
| Jobs requiring it | Notaries Public (non-lawyer) in BC | source |
| Lawyer route | Canadian lawyers may apply without the full NEP: reference from an active licensee; application fee $450 plus GST; statutory exams required | source |
| Typical day | BC notaries handle non-contentious legal work only, where the parties agree. Their work includes real estate transfers and mortgage refinancing, wills and estate planning, powers of attorney, affidavits and statutory declarations, and certifying documents. They do not argue cases in court. | source |
| School and city | Program and approval | Length | Intakes | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Fraser University Burnaby | Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies Required by SNPBC source | Price not published, ask provider | Price not published, ask provider | Price not published, ask provider | Program page |
Yes. Canadian lawyers may apply without the full program, with a reference from an active licensee and a $450 plus GST application fee. Statutory exams are still required.
We did not confirm tuition or length from SFU. Ask SFU.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.