How to become a notary in North Carolina
Notaries in North Carolina are commissioned by the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in North Carolina?
- At least 18 years old or legally emancipated
- Lives in North Carolina or has a regular place of work or business there
- Resides legally in the United States
- Speaks, reads and writes English
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Owns a current NC Notary Public Manual
What are the North Carolina notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. At least six hours of classroom instruction from an approved provider (e.g. a community college), taken within three months before applying. Licensed NC State Bar members are exempt. |
| Exam required | Yes. Written exam with a passing score of 80%; NC State Bar members are exempt. |
| Surety bond | None stated by the state |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Remote online notarization | Remote electronic notarization is authorized by the Remote Electronic Notarization Act (2022), but no REN license had been issued; emergency video notarization is extended until July 1, 2027 or the first REN license, whichever comes first. |
Steps to become a notary in North Carolina
- Buy the current NC Notary Public Manual
- Take an approved six-hour notary course and pass the exam
- Fill out the initial application, have the instructor certify the course, and sign it before another notary
- Mail the application and $50 fee to the Notary Public Section within three months of the course
- Wait for the oath notification letter
- Take the oath of office before the register of deeds in your county within 45 days of commissioning ($10 fee)
How do you find a notary in North Carolina?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official North Carolina notary lookup.