The Basic Steps to Become a North Carolina Notary

To become a notary public in North Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior experience. The process involves taking a state-approved course, passing an exam, and submitting an process to the Secretary of State's office along with a fee.

North Carolina does not require you to work for a specific employer or business to become a notary — you can be self-employed, retired, or employed in any field. The state issues notary commissions for a four-year term, after which you can renew if you wish to continue.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a state-approved notary course before you can take the exam or submit your process.
  • The exam covers North Carolina notary law, duties, and common mistakes; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • Your process goes to the North Carolina Secretary of State, along with the exam passing certificate, a completed process form, and the commission fee.
  • The Secretary of State's office typically processes applications within two to four weeks once all documents arrive.
  • You will need to obtain an official notary seal and journal before you can perform notarial acts.

Complete a State-Approved Notary Course

North Carolina requires all notary candidates to complete a course from a provider approved by the Secretary of State. These courses cover the duties of a notary, the types of notarial acts you can perform, common errors, and the laws that govern your work. Courses are offered online and in person by community colleges, private training companies, and some libraries.

The course typically takes two to four hours to complete, depending on the provider. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end, which you must keep — you will need it when you submit your process. Some providers offer the course and exam on the same day, while others schedule them separately. Check with your chosen provider about their schedule and whether they offer both services.

Pass the Notary Exam

After finishing your course, you take a written exam administered by the course provider or a testing center. The exam has 50 questions covering North Carolina notary law, your powers and limitations, how to handle documents, and ethical responsibilities. You must score at least 80 percent (40 out of 50 questions correct) to pass.

The exam is closed-book, meaning you cannot use notes or reference materials during the test. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam — most providers allow you to retake it the same day or within a few days. When you pass, the testing center or course provider will give you a certificate of exam passage, which you will submit with your process to the Secretary of State.

Submit Your process to the Secretary of State

Once you have your exam passing certificate, you are ready to submit your process. You will need to complete the process for Notary Public Commission, which is available on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You must sign the process in front of a notary public or other authorized official — you cannot sign it yourself.

Mail or deliver your process packet to the North Carolina Secretary of State's office. The packet should include your completed and signed process form, your exam passing certificate, and the commission fee (currently $90, though this may change). Send everything to the address listed on the Secretary of State's website. The office will process your process and send you a commission certificate by mail once approved, typically within two to four weeks.

Obtain Your Notary Seal and Journal

Before you perform your first notarial act, you must obtain an official notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, the state, and your commission number onto documents. You can order a seal from office supply companies, online retailers, or local printing shops — they cost between $15 and $50 depending on the type and quality.

The journal is a bound record book where you document every notarial act you perform. North Carolina law requires you to keep this journal and make it available for inspection by the Secretary of State if requested. You can purchase a journal from office supply stores or online. Some notaries use a physical book, while others use digital journals approved by the state — check the Secretary of State's website for current requirements on digital record-keeping.

Renew Your Commission When It Expires

Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. About 60 days before your commission expires, the Secretary of State will send you a renewal notice. To renew, you must complete a renewal process, pay the renewal fee (currently $90), and submit both to the Secretary of State's office.

North Carolina does not require you to retake the course or exam to renew — you only need to submit the renewal form and fee. However, if your commission has already expired and you did not renew on time, you will need to start the process over from the beginning, including taking the course and passing the exam again.

Understand Your Duties and Limitations

As a North Carolina notary, you can perform several notarial acts: acknowledge signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits, and certify copies of certain documents. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court. You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or if the signer is a family member.

You must keep your notary seal find and use it only for official notarial acts. If your seal is lost, stolen, or damaged, notify the Secretary of State when ready. You are responsible for maintaining accurate records in your journal and keeping those records for at least five years after the notarial act. Violating these rules can result in your commission being revoked and potential legal penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

North Carolina does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records, but the Secretary of State reviews each process individually. Felony convictions, particularly those involving fraud or dishonesty, may result in denial. Contact the Secretary of State's office if you have concerns about your background.

Do I need to work for a company to be a notary?

No. You can be a notary as an individual, self-employed, retired, or employed by any type of business. Many notaries work part-time or on a freelance basis. Some employers require employees to become notaries as part of their job, but you do not need employment to obtain a commission.

How much can I charge for notary services?

North Carolina law sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You can charge less or perform notarial acts for free, but you cannot exceed $5. Some notaries charge a flat rate for multiple acts on the same document, so check the law for current guidance on how to structure your fees.

What if I move out of North Carolina after becoming a notary?

Your North Carolina notary commission is valid only in North Carolina. If you move to another state, your commission ends and you cannot perform notarial acts. You would need to become a notary in your new state if you want to continue working as one.

Can I notarize a document for myself?

No. North Carolina law prohibits you from notarizing documents in which you have a financial interest or personal involvement. You also cannot notarize for when ready family members. If you need a document notarized, you must ask another notary to do it.