The basic path to becoming a notary in North Carolina
To become a notary in North Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You then take a written exam administered by the North Carolina Secretary of State's office, pass it, and submit your process along with your exam results and required documents. The Secretary of State reviews your process and, if approved, commissions you as a notary public. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from exam to commission.
North Carolina does not require you to take a prep course before the exam, though many people do. You can study on your own using the official study materials provided by the Secretary of State, or you can pay for a course through a private vendor. Either way, the exam itself is the same, and passing it is the only way forward.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 or older, a North Carolina resident, and able to read and write English before you can take the notary exam.
- The Secretary of State's office administers the exam; you schedule it through their website and pay the exam fee at that time.
- After you pass the exam, you submit your process, exam results, and supporting documents (including a background check authorization form) to the Secretary of State.
- Your commission lasts five years and requires you to renew by exam if you want to continue serving as a notary after that period ends.
- North Carolina notaries can notarize documents, administer oaths, and take acknowledgments, but cannot perform certain acts like solemnizing marriages without additional authorization.
Meeting the basic requirements
Before you register for the exam, confirm you meet North Carolina's baseline requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of North Carolina (meaning you have a North Carolina address and intend to remain there), and able to read, write, and understand English. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior notary experience.
The state also requires a background check as part of your process. You will authorize this check when you submit your process materials after passing the exam. If you have a felony conviction or certain misdemeanors on your record, you may be denied, but minor infractions do not automatically disqualify you. The Secretary of State reviews each case individually.
Registering for and taking the exam
The North Carolina Secretary of State's office manages exam registration through their online portal. Visit the Secretary of State website, navigate to the notary section, and follow the link to schedule your exam. You will choose a testing date and location (exams are offered at multiple sites across the state), and pay the exam fee at registration. As of the most recent update, the fee is $30, though you should confirm the current amount on the official website.
The exam itself is a written test covering North Carolina notary law, your duties and limitations, and proper notarization procedures. You have a set time limit to complete it—typically two hours. The test is not open-book, so studying beforehand is essential. The Secretary of State provides a free study guide on their website that covers all the material you need to know. Many people also purchase study guides or take online courses from private vendors, which can cost between $20 and $100 depending on the provider.
You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after waiting a set period (usually 30 days). There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you pay the exam fee each time.
Submitting your process after passing the exam
Once you pass the exam, you receive a score report. Within a certain timeframe (check the Secretary of State's website for the current important date), you submit your process to the Secretary of State along with your exam results and supporting documents. You will need to provide a completed process form, your exam score report, a background check authorization form (which the Secretary of State provides), and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Some applicants also choose to submit a notary bond, though North Carolina does not require one. A notary bond is an insurance policy that protects the public if you make a mistake or act improperly in your notary duties. It typically costs $50 to $150 for a five-year term. While not mandatory, many employers or clients request that you carry one, so it is worth considering.
Submit your process by mail or through the Secretary of State's online portal if available. Keep copies of everything you send. The Secretary of State's office will review your process, conduct the background check, and notify you of approval or denial. This review period usually takes four to eight weeks.
Your commission and what you can do as a notary
Once approved, the Secretary of State issues your notary commission, which is valid for five years from the date of issuance. You do not receive a physical certificate in the mail in all cases, so check the Secretary of State's instructions for how your commission is delivered and whether you need to take any additional steps to set up it.
As a North Carolina notary, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments (statements by a signer that they signed a document), and certify copies of certain public records. You cannot solemnize marriages, perform certain legal acts, or notarize your own signature. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or a personal relationship with the signer that could create a conflict of interest.
You are required to keep a notary journal—a record of every notarization you perform, including the date, the type of document, the signer's name and identification, and your fee. North Carolina law specifies what information must be recorded. This journal is a legal document and may be subpoenaed in court, so maintain it carefully.
Renewing your commission
Your notary commission expires five years after it is issued. To continue serving as a notary, you must renew by taking the exam again. There is no renewal-by-process option in North Carolina; you must pass the current exam to renew. You can register for the renewal exam up to 90 days before your commission expires, which gives you time to study and schedule a test date before your current commission lapses.
If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notary duties until you pass the exam and receive a new commission. Plan ahead so you do not have a gap in your ability to work.
Common reasons applications are denied
The Secretary of State may deny your process if you fail the background check, provide false information on your process, do not meet the residency requirement, or do not submit all required documents. If your process is denied, you receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issue that caused the denial.
If you have questions about whether a particular criminal history or other factor will affect your process, contact the Secretary of State's office directly before you explore. They can give you guidance on your specific situation rather than leaving you to guess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary course before the exam?
No. North Carolina does not require a course; you can study on your own using the free study guide from the Secretary of State's website. Many people take paid courses for extra structure and practice questions, but they are optional. The exam is the same regardless of how you prepare.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. Felonies and certain misdemeanors may disqualify you, but the Secretary of State reviews each case individually. Contact their office before you explore if you have concerns about your record; they can tell you whether you are likely to be approved.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You can retake it after waiting the required period (usually 30 days). There is no limit to how many times you can retake the exam, but you pay the exam fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after additional study.
Do I need a notary bond?
North Carolina does not require a bond, but many employers and clients request one. A bond protects the public if you make a mistake in your notary duties. It typically costs $50 to $150 for five years and is worth considering if you plan to work as a notary professionally.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
You should not notarize documents for close family members or anyone with whom you have a financial interest in the transaction. Doing so creates a conflict of interest and can invalidate the notarization. If a family member needs a notarization, refer them to another notary.