How to Become a Notary in North Carolina (2026 Guide)
Published March 20, 2023 · Updated May 26, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Must be 18+, a NC resident or worker, legally in the US, and able to read/write English
- Complete a 6-hour state-approved course at a community college
- Pass the state exam with 80% or higher (attorneys exempt)
- No surety bond required: one of the few states without one
- Application fee: $50 | Commission term: 5 years
- You must purchase the 2026 NC Notary Public Manual
North Carolina has more requirements than many states, a 6-hour course, a state exam, and an official manual, but no bond or insurance requirement. Here’s how the process works.
Requirements
To become a notary public in North Carolina, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (or legally emancipated)
- Live or have a regular place of work in North Carolina
- Legally reside in the United States
- Be able to speak, read, and write English
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have no felony or moral turpitude convictions (unless pardoned)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the 6-Hour Course
Take a 6-hour notary education course at a North Carolina community college or other approved institution. The course covers NC notary law, procedures, and your duties under G.S. Chapter 10B. You’ll need the 2026 NC Notary Public Manual (required reading).
Step 2: Pass the State Exam
The exam is administered through your course. You need 80% or higher to pass. You get up to 3 attempts within 30 days. Attorneys licensed by the NC State Bar are exempt from the course and exam requirements.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the NC notary application and have it notarized. Your course instructor must sign and date it. Submit it within 3 months of completing the course, along with the $50 fee, to the Secretary of State.
Step 4: Take Your Oath at the Register of Deeds
After the Secretary of State processes your application, you’ll receive an oath notification letter. Take it to your local Register of Deeds within 45 days to take your oath of office. The fee is $10. You’ll receive your commission certificate and can start notarizing.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 6-hour notary course | $50–$75 (varies by college) |
| 2026 Notary Public Manual | $20–$30 |
| Application fee (Secretary of State) | $50 |
| Oath fee (Register of Deeds) | $10 |
| Notary stamp | $15–$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10–$50 |
| Total | $155–$240 |
Surety Bond Requirements
No. North Carolina is one of the few states that does not require a surety bond or errors and omissions insurance. However, E&O insurance is recommended. It protects you personally if a notarial mistake leads to a claim.
Renewal
North Carolina notary commissions last 5 years. The renewal process requires retaking the course and exam. Submit your renewal application before your commission expires. If it lapses, you’ll need to start the entire process over.
Becoming a Signing Agent in North Carolina
North Carolina is an attorney state for real estate closings, which limits some signing agent opportunities. However, many NC notaries build successful signing agent businesses handling out-of-state loan closings. After you get commissioned, take a signing agent training course to learn the loan document process. See our guide to becoming a signing agent for more details.
Fee Schedule
North Carolina sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You must post a fee schedule or provide it upon request. You may charge less or waive fees entirely.
Notarial Acts You Can Perform
- Acknowledgments: verifying the signer appeared before you voluntarily
- Jurats: administering an oath and witnessing signing
- Oaths and affirmations: swearing in a signer
- Certified copies: attesting that a copy is a true copy (limited to certain document types)
Notarizing for Family Members
North Carolina does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. The same conflict-of-interest rules apply: you cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Use caution when notarizing for a spouse or close relatives.
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal. It cannot be owned or controlled by an employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
How North Carolina Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | North Carolina | Virginia | South Carolina | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | None | None | None | $10,000 |
| Exam | Yes (80%) | No | No | No |
| Training | 6 hours | No | No | No |
| Term | 5 years | 4 years | 10 years | 4 years |
| Max Fee | $5 | $5 | Varies | None |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
North Carolina has the most rigorous requirements in the region: 6 hours of training and an exam with an 80% pass requirement. None of its neighbors require a bond. South Carolina offers the longest commission term at 10 years with minimal requirements. Virginia will add a journal requirement starting July 2026 (SB316).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take the notary course?
North Carolina community colleges offer the course. The Secretary of State also lists approved providers on their website. You must take the course in person: there’s no online option for the initial course.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You get up to 3 attempts within 30 days. If you fail all 3 attempts, you must retake the entire 6-hour course before trying again.
Do I need a notary stamp in North Carolina?
Yes. You need an official notary stamp that meets the requirements specified in the Notary Public Manual. Purchase one after receiving your commission.
Do I need a notary journal?
North Carolina doesn’t legally require a journal for most notarizations, but strongly recommends keeping one. Certain electronic notarizations do have record-keeping requirements. Most experienced NC notaries keep a journal as protection.
Can I perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. After receiving your regular commission, you can register to become an electronic notary (eNotary) through the Secretary of State’s website. There’s a separate registration process and additional requirements.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct in North Carolina
- Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation, the Secretary of State can revoke your commission
- Civil liability. You can be held personally liable for damages
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in Florida
- How to Become a Notary in Texas
- Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the NC Secretary of State and G.S. Chapter 10B.
Does a online notary course qualify in NC and WV
Hi, We provide signing agent training, which is separate from any state-required courses to get a notary commission. Most states don’t require courses, but if your state does, please refer to their list of approved providers. Not all notaries become signing agents, so states don’t provide our type of training.
Can you be a notary in two states at the same time?
That depends on the laws of the state, and they are all different. Some require you to be a resident of the state. Others require you to be a resident of or be employed in the state. And others allow you to become a notary if you live in a neighboring state or specific counties in a neighboring state. You’d have to research the requirements of the states you’re interested in.
I did my course and completed it through here. This is through the state of California. Because I have my certificate through here would it mess me up for North Carolina?
Hi. I’m not sure I understand your question. Our signing agent program applies to all 50 states.