How to Become a North Carolina Notary

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of becoming a notary in North Carolina.

Aspiring notaries in the Tar Heel State must meet the Department of the Secretary of State's qualifications, complete the state-required course and exam and mail the application to the Secretary of State.

Here's a simplified step-by-step guide to help you start your career as a notary public.

1) Meet North Carolina's Qualification Requirements

To qualify for a notary commission, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated by the court
  • Reside or have a regular place of work or business in the State
  • Legally reside in the United States
  • Be able to read, write and understand English
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Have not been convicted of a felony in North Carolina or another state

2) Register for the State-Required Six-Hour Course

Notary public training is required for all first-time applicants in North Carolina (except for attorneys). You must register for the six-hour course through a nearby university or a local community college.

Colleges typically teach all the material at once or over a two-day period. Before taking the course, prepare to present an acceptable form of ID. Failing to do so will result in dismissal.

3) Purchase the Latest North Carolina Notary Public Manual

The 2016 edition of the North Carolina Notary Public Manual is required for the course. You can purchase it from a bookstore, local community college or the UNC School of Government bookstore. Or call 919-966-4119.

4) Pass the Exam

After finishing the six-hour course, you must pass the notary public exam with a score of at least 80%. You have three attempts to pass the exam within 30 days. If you don't pass within 30 days of finishing the course, you need to retake the course before retaking the exam.

5) Complete the Application

Acquire a notary application from your course instructor, the Secretary of State website, or your county Register of Deeds office. Complete the application thoroughly and carefully — three or more blank spaces require a resubmission.

Have your course instructor sign the application, but do not sign it yourself during class! It needs to be notarized before you sign it.

Present your finished application to a commissioned notary public and sign it in front of them. Never notarize your own signature, as this will result in automatic disqualification.

After passing the course and finishing the application, you have three months to mail it to the Department of the Secretary of State with the $50 application fee. Non-U.S. Citizens must submit proof of legal residence with the submission of their application.

6) Complete the Commission Process

Once your application is processed and accepted, you will receive a Notary Oath notification letter. It will tell you that you have 45 days to take the oath of office at your county's Register of Deeds location. After taking the oath and paying the fee, you will receive your certificate and become a commissioned notary public in the state of North Carolina.

If you purchased a notary stamp from our online store, email a copy of your commission to info@notaries.com so we can create your custom stamp. It will meet or exceed all state requirements.

We recommend plenty of other things for new notaries in addition to the stamp. A record-keeping journal is not required, but we recommend one — especially if you purchase errors and omissions insurance. Keeping a detailed record as evidence can help if you're sued for a notarization mistake.

We also offer additional career resources, like Notary Association of America membership and an online notary signing agent course.

North Carolina Notary Application FAQs

How long is a commission term?

Commissions are valid for five years. For information on how to renew your commission, visit our dedicated renewal page.

How much does it cost to apply?

The cost of receiving a North Carolina notary commission includes the commission fee, the oath fee and the cost of a new stamp and other supplies you may want. Visit our North Carolina notary page for great prices on all the supplies you need for your new notary term!

Can I apply online?

Partially. Becoming a notary is a mostly in-person process. But you can download the application from the North Carolina Secretary of State's Office notary division web page.

Do I need to take a class?

Yes. All applicants must take a six-hour notary education course before passing an exam. Use this tool to find a course being offered near you.

Can I notarize anywhere in NC?

Yes, you can perform notarial acts in any county within the state. Working out-of-state is not allowed.

How long will it take for my application to be approved?

According to the Secretary of State, processing can take up to two weeks. Incorrect or incomplete submissions may take longer. Read our guide to make sure that doesn't happen!

Is the application process different for becoming an electronic notary?

Electronic notaries (eNotary) perform the same duties as traditional ones, but they use virtual signatures and stamps, along with specific and state-approved notarization management software. The application process is very similar to what we've already outlined above. Here's a simple breakdown: