If you'd like to become a Notary in North Carolina, you must complete the following steps:
- Meet North Carolina's eligibility requirements.
- Register for the state-required Notary Public course.
- Get a North Carolina Notary Public Manual.
- Attend a Notary course at your local community college.
- Pass the exam.
- Complete the application and get it notarized.
- Take your oath of office and pick up your commission.
- Buy your Notary seal.
About the North Carolina Notary Process
The term of a North Carolina Notary commission is five years. Below, we cover the cost and processing time of a Notary Public commission in the Tar Heel State.
Cost to Become a Notary in North Carolina
The cost of becoming a North Carolina Notary ranges between $190 - $339, depending on the education provider you choose for the Notary Public course and vendor for the Notary stamp.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Notary Public course |
$80 - $229 |
| Notary Public Manual |
$20 |
| Application fee |
$50 |
| Oath of office |
$10 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$190 - $339 |
Commission Processing Time
It may take up to two weeks to process your application, as long as it is complete and correct when submitted.
North Carolina Notary Public Requirements
Wondering what it takes to become an NC Notary Public? Read on below.
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in North Carolina. Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated
- Be a resident of or regularly conduct business in North Carolina
- Be a legal resident of the U.S.
- Be able to read, write and speak English
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Keep the most recent Notary manual approved by the North Carolina Secretary of State
- Not have been released from incarceration, probation or parole within the last 10 years
Notary Training
A six-hour training course at a local community college is required for new North Carolina Notary applicants; attorneys are exempt.
You must also get your North Carolina Notary Public Manual from either your local community college or The School of Government at UNC Chapel Hill.
Exam
Passing an exam is required to become a Notary in North Carolina. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass.
You have three attempts to pass the exam in 30 days. Afterward, you'll need to complete the Notary Public course again before retaking the exam.
Application
Complete the application and take it to a North Carolina Notary for notarization.
Submit your application, your up-to-date resume, the $50 application fee and a business card (if you have one) to the Secretary of State. The submission deadline is within three months of taking the course.
Oath of Office
Get your Notary Oath Notification Letter from the Secretary of State via email.
Within 45 days, take your oath of office and pick up your commission certificate at your county’s Register of Deeds.
Notary Supplies
North Carolina Notaries are required to use a Notary seal. The seal may be a circular or rectangular stamp or embosser.
Circular seals must be between 1.5" – 2" in diameter. Rectangular seals must be no larger than 2.5" in length by 1" in height. The following information must be on the seal:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- The name of the county in which you were commissioned using the word "County" or "Co."
- The words "North Carolina" or "NC"
- Your commission expiration date (optional)
If you do not include your commission expiration date on the seal, you must write it in or use a separate stamp with the commission expiration date on every document you notarize.
North Carolina Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Notary in North Carolina? We have your answers.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The North Carolina Secretary of State, located in Raleigh, NC, issues Notary Public commissions.
The Notary Public Section
North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State
PO Box 29626
Raleigh, NC 27626-0626
Do North Carolina Notaries need a journal?
Notaries in North Carolina are not required to use a journal. However, keeping a journal to record all of your notarial acts is extremely helpful if you're ever named in a lawsuit.
Do I need a bond or insurance?
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of North Carolina.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for everyone, excluding yourself. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from.
While North Carolina allows Notaries to notarize an assignment or reassignment of a vehicle title for their spouse, the state highly recommends against notarizing for relatives.
If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during your work hours.
How much can North Carolina Notaries charge per notarial act?
North Carolina authorizes Notaries to charge no more than $10 per notarization. You may not charge signers for travel or mileage fees.
If you charge a fee for notarizations, you are required to display a fee schedule. This must be in English and printed no smaller than 10-point font.
If you are not an attorney and advertise notarial services in other languages, you must post fees in those languages, in addition to English, and a notice required by GS 10B-20(i).
What happens if I move or change my name?
You must notify the Secretary of State within 45 days of any address or name changes. To do so, you must send a signed notice of the change with both your old and new information by fax, email or certified mail, return receipt requested. You may also update your information on the Secretary's website.
If you move to a new county, you may continue using your existing seal, but you'll be required to get a new one when you reapply for your commission in the new county.
For name changes, you may continue using your former name until you receive a confirmation from the Secretary, get a new seal with your new name and have requalified with the county Register of Deeds in your new name. Once you get your new seal, return your old one by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Secretary's office.
If you change both your address and name, submit an application for recommission and follow the same steps as for a name change. The only difference is your new seal will need your new name and county on it.
What is the process for renewing my commission as a North Carolina Notary?
You should begin the renewal process no earlier than 10 weeks before your commission expires. To renew your North Carolina Notary commission, log into the North Carolina Department of Secretary of State's Notary Reappointment page using your Notary number and password.
The process is materially the same as it is to become a Notary. However, you are exempt from taking the exam if you are an attorney or have consistently held your North Carolina Notary commission since July 10, 1991, and never have been disciplined.
Allow two weeks to receive your notification letter. Once received, take your oath at the Register of Deeds Office in the county where your commission was issued within 45 days of the Notary commission issue date and pay the $10 fee.
You may use your existing Notary seal stamp if the information on the seal exactly matches the information of your new commission.
How can I become an electronic Notary in North Carolina?
You must first hold an existing commission as an NC Notary Public. Then, follow the steps below:
- Take a four-hour course at a local community college.
- Pass the exam.
- Complete the registration form online.
- Print the form and get it notarized.
- Bring it to the Department of the Secretary of State with the $50 registration fee.
- Take your eNotary oath of office at the local county Register of Deeds within 45 days after receiving your Electronic Notary Oath Notification Letter from the Department.
- Receive your Electronic Notary Certificate.
- Buy an eNotary signature and seal.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in North Carolina?
Temporary emergency video notarization (EVN) expired on June 30, 2024. The General Assembly has approved the extension of EVN until July 1, 2025, however the Governor has not yet signed the legislation into law. Notaries are not permitted to perform an EVN at this time.
The Secretary of State is in the process of adopting rules to implement permanent remote notarization.
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Last updated: Jul 24, 2024