FAQs For Notaries in North Carolina

What are the requirements to become a notary?

Notary applicants in North Carolina 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

What kind of supplies will I need?

Common supplies needed during a commission include a stamp with an official seal, extra ink for the stamp and a notary record-keeping journal. While a record-keeping journal is not required, we recommend one for all notaries.

If you're interested in other supplies, such as gold foil labels or sworn affidavit stamps, check out our supplies store.

Can I take the required class online?

No. First-time applicants must take a six-hour class in person at a college or university. Find a local community college and search "notary" to find an upcoming course and register.

How much can I charge for notary services?

According to the North Carolina General Assembly General Statute 10B-31, notaries can only charge up to these amounts for their services:

  • $10 per notarized signature for acknowledgments, jurats, verifications or proofs
  • $10 per person for verbal oaths or affirmations
  • $15 per digital notarized signature for electronic acknowledgments or jurats
  • $25 per remote online notarized signature

Can I perform notarizations outside of the state?

No. General Statute 10B-9 states that a commissioned notary may only perform notarial acts within the state. Documents originating from a different state may be used, as long as the notarization happens within North Carolina.

How do I become an electronic notary?

Performing electronic notarizations, whether in person or remotely, requires an Electronic Notary Certificate to Perform Electronic Notarizations. To get this, you need to already be a commissioned notary public.

After that, you must:

  • Register to take the three-hour Electronic Notarization Course at a local community college
  • Pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher
  • Complete the online application
  • Print and sign the application and have it notarized
  • Send the notarized application to the Department of Secretary of State along with a $50 registration fee to:

NC Secretary of State
PO Box 29626
Raleigh, NC 27626

  • Receive the Electronic Notary Oath Notification Letter and take it to your Register of Deeds office within 45 days
  • Acquire the Electronic Notary Certificate to Perform Electronic Notarizations from the Register of Deeds
  • Present the Electronic Notary Certificate to Perform Electronic Notarizations to an approved electronic notary solution provider to purchase an electronic notary signature and seal

Do I need to do anything about my commission if I have changed my name?

Yes, you need to:

  • Submit a signed notice of change form to the Secretary of State within 45 days of the change
  • Take the oath of office at the Register of Deeds office in your commission county within 45 days of receiving the oath notification letter
  • Get a new seal
  • Return your old seal to the Secretary of State by certified mail and request a return receipt

What do I need to do to resign my commission?

You must submit a signed letter to the Department of State, including a date of resignation. Within 45 days of resigning, you must send your seal or stamp to the Department of State by certified mail, return receipt requested. You can also hand deliver it to the Department of State when their office is open to the public. The state will dispose of your stamp or seal.

Where can I buy the current Notary Public Guidebook for North Carolina?

You can:

  • Order it online at www.sog.unc.edu
  • Email sales@sog.unc.edu
  • Write to the School of Government, UNC Chapel Hill, CB #3330, Knapp-Sanders Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3330
  • Call 919-966-4119
  • Contact a bookstore in your area or at a local community college

What is the penalty for keeping a notary seal once I am no longer commissioned?

The notary law has at least one provision that could lead to criminal charges for failing to turn in a notary seal once you are no longer commissioned. NCGS 10B-60(f) says that "Any person who without authority conceals the seal is guilty of a Class I felony".

What is a surety bond, and do I need one?

A surety bond is the notary's promise to uphold the notarial law. It protects clients who may be harmed by a notary's negligent act, whether intentional or by mistake.

Notary bonds do not protect the notary. If a claim is made against the notary, the notary is responsible for the financial repercussions up to the bond amount (which can range from $1,000 to $25,000).

Surety bonds are not required in North Carolina.

While a bond is not required, we recommend considering errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O insurance protects the notary from liability. If a notary commits a negligent act or makes an error, E&O insurance can cover losses resulting from a claim — including legal fees.

How do I renew a North Carolina notary commission?

View our renewal page for complete instructions.