How to become a notary in North Carolina

Get everything you need with a full North Carolina Notary Package.

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.

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.

It may take up to two weeks to process your application, as long as it is complete and correct when submitted.

Wondering what it takes to become an NC Notary Public? Read on below.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have more questions about being a Notary in North Carolina? We have your answers.

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Last updated: Jul 24, 2024

Get everything you need with a full North Carolina Notary Package.