How to become a notary in North Carolina: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the North Carolina Secretary of State's own published requirements and the state statute.
To become a notary public in North Carolina: Who can apply: At least 18 (or legally emancipated); living, or with a regular place of work or business, in North Carolina; residing legally in the U.S.; able to speak, read and write English; a high school diploma or equivalent; and you buy and keep the current approved notary manual. Training: A course of classroom instruction of at least six hours approved by the Secretary, within the three months before you apply; licensed members of the North Carolina State Bar are exempt. Exam: A written examination approved by the Secretary; you must answer at least 80% correctly. Commission term: Five years. Commissions are issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in North Carolina
| Requirement | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18 (or legally emancipated); living, or with a regular place of work or business, in North Carolina; residing legally in the U.S.; able to speak, read and write English; a high school diploma or equivalent; and you buy and keep the current approved notary manual. |
| Training | A course of classroom instruction of at least six hours approved by the Secretary, within the three months before you apply; licensed members of the North Carolina State Bar are exempt. |
| Exam | A written examination approved by the Secretary; you must answer at least 80% correctly. |
| Bond | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the North Carolina Secretary of State. |
| Commission term | Five years. |
| State fee | A $50 nonrefundable application fee. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the North Carolina Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | Appear before the register of deeds in your county of commissioning within 45 days to take the oath; the commission is not effective until you do. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in North Carolina
- Take the approved six-hour course and pass the written exam within the three months before you apply.
- Sign the application in pen and ink and acknowledge the signature before a person authorized to administer oaths.
- Get the recommendation of one publicly elected official in North Carolina, unless your county has more than 15,000 active notaries.
- Submit the application with the $50 fee.
- When the Secretary notifies you, take the oath at your county register of deeds within 45 days.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the North Carolina Secretary of State's own published material and the state statute (source named below), read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 10B (Notaries), as published by the North Carolina Secretary of State, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.