This paper deals with the ability to use high molecular weight CMC as a dry strength agent in paper and how the drying of the pulp, either before or after the CMC attachment, affects the mechanical properties of the paper. The effect of the counter-ion form used during drying and reslushing was also investigated. In the case of the calcium and hydrogen counter-ion forms, drying after CMC attachment had no impact on the attached amount. The sodium form did, however, result in some detachment of CMC. When the pulp was dried prior to CMC treatment, the counter-ion form had no effect on the attached amount. It was also shown that drying of a CMC-treated pulp reduced the positive effect of CMC on the mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties were still better than those of paper made from the never-dried reference pulp. The relative effect of CMC on the mechanical properties was independent of the drying strategy used and the counter-ion form did not affect the mechanical properties. However, surface carboxymethylation prior to drying resulted in sheets with better final mechanical properties than sheets made from pulp that had first been dried and then surface carboxy-methylated.