Notary Public in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Est. total cost
Time to complete
route How to become a notary public in North Carolina
To become a Notary Public in North Carolina, individuals must complete a state-approved 6-8 hour education course at a community college and pass a state standardized examination with a score of at least 80%. After passing the exam, applicants submit an application with a $50 fee to the North Carolina Secretary of State. Upon approval, a $10 oath of office must be taken at the Register of Deeds within 45 days. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside or work in North Carolina, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. North Carolina does not have reciprocity for notary commissions with other states.
checklist North Carolina requirements
| Licensing body | North Carolina Secretary of State |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 6-8 hour approved education course |
| Exam | State standardized examination |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated, reside or have a regular place of work or business in North Carolina, reside legally in the United States, speak, read, and write English, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A background check is conducted as part of the application process, and applicants must not have a disqualifying criminal history. No bond is required. The applicant must purchase and keep the most recent North Carolina Notary Public Manual. After receiving commission approval, the applicant must take an oath of office at the Register of Deeds within 45 days and pay a $10 fee. North Carolina does not allow reciprocity with other states for commissioning, but notarial acts performed in other jurisdictions are generally recognized if compliant with that jurisdiction's laws. |