North Carolina Notary Guide
How to Become a Notary Public in North Carolina
This guide covers all the requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria you’ll need to launch your notarial career in NC.
Steps to Becoming a Notary Public in North Carolina
- Meet NC Notary eligibility requirements
- Complete a six-hour approved notary course
- Pass the required exam with at least 80%
- Complete and notarize the application
- Submit the application with a $50 fee within three months
- Take your oath of office at the county Register of Deeds within 45 days
- Purchase a notary seal/stamp
- Optionally, become an electronic or remote notary
- Renew every five years with re-education and renewal application
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North Carolina Notary Public Process
A North Carolina notary commission is valid for five years and allows you to perform acknowledgments, oaths, jurats, and verifications.
Cost to Become a Notary in North Carolina
The total cost varies based on required and optional supplies. Below is a cost breakdown:
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Course | $70–$229 | Six-hour community college class |
| Notary Manual | $20–$30 | Required up-to-date manual |
| Application Fee | $50 | Paid when submitting notarized application |
| Oath of Office Fee | $10 | Paid at the Register of Deeds |
| Notary Seal/Stamp | ≈$30 | From approved vendors after commissioning |
| Total Estimated Cost | $180–$349 | Varies by course provider and vendor pricing |
Commission Processing Time
If your application is complete and accurate, processing usually takes up to two weeks.
North Carolina Notary Requirements
To qualify as a Notary Public in North Carolina, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old or emancipated
- Be a resident or conduct business in NC
- Be able to read, write, and speak English
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Not have been released from incarceration within the past 10 years
Notary Training & Exam
A six-hour in-person course is required (attorneys exempt from course but not supply)
Exam requires a score of 80% or higher
If you fail, you have three attempts within 30 days before retaking the course
Application Steps
Obtain and complete the notary application within three months of your course
Have it notarized
Submit the application with $50 fee
Receive your Oath Notification Letter
Oath of Office
Appear at the Register of Deeds within 45 days of notification
Present ID, pay $10 oath fee, take the oath, and receive your commission certificate
Commission Certificate & Supplies
To perform notarizations in North Carolina, Notaries need:
- Notary Seal or Stamp – Seal must show name, “Notary Public,” county, “North Carolina” (or NC), and may optionally include expiration date
- Notary Journal – A journal is not required, but strongly recommended for recordkeeping
Renewal Process
Reapply up to 10 weeks before commission expires
- Pass the written exam again
- Submit renewal application and $52 fee
- Take reminder oath at Register of Deeds within 45 days
Electronic & Remote Notary Options
NC allows electronic notarizations and remote online notarization (RON) after obtaining an electronic notary commission
- That requires additional four-hour electronic course, exam, filing, and $50 registration fee
- RON involves secure video platforms and strict ID/recording protocols
Conclusion
Becoming a Notary Public in North Carolina involves completing a course and exam, filing a notarized application, swearing an oath, and acquiring a compliant seal. With your five-year commission, you’re ready to notarize documents across NC. You can also opt into electronic or remote notarization if needed.