How to Become a Notary in North Carolina (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your North Carolina notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official North Carolina state sources.
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
See exactly what you get- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON status for every state — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in North Carolina — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in North Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of North Carolina or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Complete the required education course
North Carolina requires you to complete a state-approved notary education course before applying. The course is 6 hours. Courses are available from approved providers and can typically be completed online. Course prices are set by the provider.
Pass the notary exam
North Carolina requires all applicants to pass a written notary exam. Schedule your exam through the state or an approved testing provider. Study the North Carolina notary handbook — available free from the Secretary of State.
Submit your application to the Secretary of State
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of State and pay the $50 application fee. Include your certificate of course completion. Include your exam pass certificate. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — by the deadline in your commission letter.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official North Carolina notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in North Carolina. Traditional notary fees in North Carolina: up to $10 per act (state-capped). North Carolina also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $25 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your North Carolina Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for North Carolina. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
North Carolina Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $50 |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Exam | Required |
| Education course | Required — 6 hours |
| Filing office | Secretary of State |
| RON available | Yes |
| Fees charged by the state (application + exam) | $50 |
First-time applicants take a classroom course of at least six hours within the three months before applying and pass a written exam with 80% or better (G.S. 10B-8). The $50 application fee is paid to the Secretary of State (G.S. 10B-13). After the commission arrives, the notary takes the oath before the county Register of Deeds. 5-year term.
Source: Secretary of State — Official North Carolina Notary Page ↗
What Can a North Carolina Notary Charge?
North Carolina caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25. $10 per act; $25 for RON. Notaries must inform signers of fees. Mileage travel fees allowed.
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a North Carolina Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your North Carolina notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.