If you want to become a notary public in North Carolina, you must complete the following steps:
More Details About the North Carolina Notary Public Process
Below, we describe the cost and duration of the Tar Heel State Notary Board.
How many?
The state fee is $50. The cost of stamps will vary depending on the supplier you choose.
Commissions may vary depending on whether you are a new notary or a renewing notary. Prices for supply packages vary by supplier. A new notary may need more help on how to function than an experienced notary. Books, training, and on-site expert assistance are generally essential for most new notaries.
Some sellers may charge additional fees when packaging their items, such as processing fees. Training may be included in the price of a new notary's package, although the quality of training may vary. Some providers offer their own notarized courses, while others do not have the expertise to develop and support educational content. Some providers offer live Q&A support with notaries, while others do not.
How long will it take?
It may take up to two weeks to process your application, as long as your submission is complete and correct.
How long does a North Carolina Notary Board take?
The term of office of a North Carolina notary is five years.
Requirements to Become a Notary Public in North Carolina
Wondering what it takes to become a NC Notary Public? See below.
Who can be a notary?
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a notary public in North Carolina. Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old or legally independent
- Be a resident of North Carolina or regularly conduct business in North Carolina
- become a legal resident of the United States
- Able to read, write and speak English
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Keep the most current North Carolina Secretary of State-approved Notary Public Handbook
- They have not been released from prison, probation or parole in the past 10 years
What kind of training do I need?
A six-hour educational seminarlocal community collegeRequired for new North Carolina notary applicants. Lawyers are excluded. You must also obtain the North Carolina Notary Public Guide from your local community college or UNC Chapel Hill's School of Government.
Do I have to take the test?
Yes, passing an exam is mandatory to become a notary public in North Carolina. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass. You can pass the exam in 3 attempts within 30 days. You will then need to take the notary course again before you can take the exam.
What kind of supplies do I need?
you need oneNotary stampfor each notary you execute. The notary's seal can be a round or rectangular stamp or embossment. Round seals should be between 1.5" – 2" in diameter. Rectangular stamps must be no longer than 2.5 inches in length and 1 inch in height. The following information must appear on the stamp:
- Your name as it appears on the commission
- The words "notary"
- The name of the county to which you are assigned, using the word "County" or "Co."
- "North Carolina" or "NC"
- The expiration date of your supply (optional)
If you do not stamp the end-of-supply date, you must write or use a separate end-of-supply date stamp on each document you notarize.
When shopping for postage stamps, quality and durability can vary greatly between suppliers. Stamps must not bleed during or after use, as this may cause the county clerk to reject the document due to smudges.
It is recommended to use a notary journal to document your notarization certificate. When buying a magazine, there are some important features that you should pay special attention to. oneJournal with numbered pages and waterproof stitched constructionAllows notaries to find missing pages in their diaries, which can be useful if you are named in a lawsuit. Simple notebooks or sticky journals don't offer the same level of security.
Most suppliers sell supplies in bundles, which can sometimes save money. However, not all vendor packs are created equal - they can vary widely in quality and content. If you are a new notary or renewing your commission, the type and number of notary certificates may require different instruments of trade.
Do I need a bond or insurance?
No. North Carolina notaries do not require a security deposit, but many choose to purchase oneto protect yourself from legal fees. E&O insurance is not required in North Carolina.
General Notary Information
Have more questions about working as a Notary Public in North Carolina? We have your answer.
Which government office handles notarization?
Notary powers of attorney are issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Can someone help me become a notary?
Yes. There are several companies that provide notary training, supplies, insurance, and assistance throughout the application process. Also, if you want to start the process yourself, the Secretary of State's website has an application with information to submit.
Where can I get notarized?
You will be able to get notarized anywhere in North Carolina.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for everyone except yourself. You cannot notarize your own signature, or documents that contain your name or that you will benefit from. While North Carolina allows a notary to notarize deeds or vehicle title transfers for spouses, the state strongly recommends unnotarized deeds for relatives. If you are notarizing while working, your employer may limit what notarizations you can do during working hours.
How much can a North Carolina notary public charge per notary?
North Carolina licensed notaries charge no more than $10 per document notarized. You may not charge the signer for travel or mileage. If you charge a notary fee, you will need to show a fee schedule. This must be in English and printed in a font size no smaller than 10 point. If you are not an attorney and advertise your notary services in another language, you must list the fees in a language other than English, along with the notice required by GS 10B-20(i).
What if I move or change my name?
You must notify the Secretary of State within 45 days of any change in address or name. To do this, you must send a signed change notice with your old and new information by fax, e-mail or registered mail and request return receipt. You can also update your details atsecretary site.
If you move to a new county, you can continue to use your existing stamp, but you will need to obtain a new stamp when you reapply for supply in the new county.
For a name change, you may continue to use your previous name until you receive confirmation from the clerk, obtain a new seal with your new name, and re-enter the county register of deeds in your new name. After you receive the new stamp, you must return the old stamp to the clerk's office by certified mail with return receipt requested.
If you both change your name and move to another county, you will need to file a reassignment application and follow the same steps as for a name change. The only difference is that your new stamp will require your new name and county.
How much legal risk will I face?
it depends. Even the most careful and detail-oriented people make mistakes. Any unintentional mistake or willful misconduct you make as a notary can be costly to all involved. The notary is sued for the financial loss suffered by the signer, and litigation is expensive even if you are innocent. If you are diligent in following the law and keeping detailed records, you will be better prepared should any legal proceedings arise.
What is the process for renewing my commission as a notary in North Carolina?
You should begin the renewal process at least 10 weeks before your supply expires. Login to the North Carolina State DepartmentNotary public re-appointment pageUse your notary number and password. The process is basically the same as becoming a notary. However, you are exempt from taking the exam if you are an attorney or have practiced with the North Carolina Board of Notaries since July 10, 1991 and have never been disciplined.
Please allow two weeks for your notification letter to be received. Upon receipt, swear to the Registrar of Deeds of the county that issued the commission that you will swear and pay the $10 fee within 45 days of the date the notary commission was issued.
You can use your existing notary stamp if the information on the stamp is exactly the same as that on the new commission.
How do I become an electronic notary in North Carolina?
Electronic notarization includes digital documents and electronic signatures, but still requires the signer and notary to meet in person to conduct the transaction. You must first have an existing commission as a NC Notary Public. You'll then take a three-hour class at a local community college, pass an exam and fill out an online registration form.
You will need to print the form and verify it. From there, take it to the State Department for a $50 registration fee. You will receive an E-notarization letter from the Department, so you will need to e-notarize your oath at your local Registry of Deeds within 45 days. The Registry will provide you with an electronic notarial certificate, which you will use to obtain an electronic notarial signature and seal.
What do I need to know about remote electronic notaries in North Carolina?
Remote Electronic Notary (RON)Not allowed in North Carolina, but legal in 39 states. If you want to understand how RON works, check outThis article.
If you're not ready, we have other resources for you to learnwhat is a notary,no matter what they doandWhy you need to be an authorized notary.
FAQs
How many questions are on the notary exam in NC? ›
The exam has 50 questions. Once you click the start button, you will have 30 minutes to complete the exam.
Is the notary exam hard in NC? ›The state with the toughest minimum score is...
North Carolina. This state requires a passing score of 80% in order to receive a commission, among the strictest in the country. Applicants to renew a commission also have to take a test.
To become a North Carolina notary public, a notary applicant must meet the following requirements: Be at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated. Reside or have a regular place of work or business in North Carolina. Reside legally in the United States.
What are two of the 4 four qualifications for the office of notary public in North Carolina? ›(3) Reside legally in the United States. (4) Speak, read, and write the English language. (5) Possess a high school diploma or equivalent. (6) Pass the course of instruction described in this Article, unless the person is a licensed member of the North Carolina State Bar.
Which state has the hardest notary exam? ›California. California has some of the strictest application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — involving a required training course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
What is passing grade for the NC notary exam? ›Yes, passing an exam is required to become a Notary in North Carolina. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass. You have three attempts to pass the exam in 30 days.
Is the North Carolina notary test open book? ›Is the notary exam open book in NC? Examinations are regularly scheduled throughout the state and are closed book exams.
Can you take the NC notary class online? ›Online Classes
You must have a valid (current) state or federal government issued photo ID, the required book, as well as a web camera, speakers, and microphone on your computer OR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to take part in the ONLINE course. Google Chrome is the preferred browser.
You must not have been convicted of a felony in North Carolina, or a felony in any state that is considered as a felony in North Carolina. a. Have you ever been convicted by any court of a felony or misdemeanor? Call the Secretary of State before taking this class at (919) 814-5400.
How much do notaries charge in NC? ›The fee for a notarial act is $10.00 per notarized signature, as mandated by the NC secretary of State. Absentee ballots are always free!
Can you notarize for family in NC? ›
A notary public is not permitted to notarize a signature on a document if the signatory is the notary's spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father.
How long is a notary license good for in NC? ›Your North Carolina notary public commission will be effective for five years. You can reapply for an NC notary renewal 10 weeks before the expiration date of your current commission.
Who needs a notary the most? ›Legal documents like wills, trusts, affidavits, and more all require notarization. Law firms that work on real estate transactions or estate planning will also need notary services for property documents like deeds.
How do I become a mobile notary in North Carolina? ›- Must be 18 years of age.
- Reside legally in the U.S.
- Live or have a place of work in North Carolina.
- Speak, read, and write English.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Pass a course.
- Purchase and maintain a manual approved by the Secretary of State.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $170,929 | $14,244 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,446 | $14,203 |
| Average | $99,855 | $8,321 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,042 | $3,420 |
As we mentioned earlier, Signing Agents are some of the busiest of all Notary Publics. For this reason, they also tend to earn the highest income. A Signing Agent (also known as a “courtesy signer”) is a Notary that receives additional training and a special certification to participate in real estate matters.
What state pays notaries most? ›District of Columbia pays the most for Mobile Notary, followed by California and New Jersey. The salary of a Mobile Notary in District of Columbia is 11.32(%) higher than $102,390(national average). In states with high Mobile Notary salaries, there are more relevant career opportunities.
What is the most a notary can make? ›Notary signing agents with five years of experience or more can earn up to $150 per hour. Notary signing agents are paid a flat fee for each signing they take on, which is usually between $100 and $200, depending on the state in which they are located.
What is required on a NC notary stamp? ›(1) The notary's name exactly as commissioned. (2) The words "Notary Public". (3) The county of commissioning, including the word "County" or the abbreviation "Co.". (4) The words "North Carolina" or the abbreviation "N.C." or "NC".
How do I take the NC notary exam? ›- 1 800 909 9003.
- Step 1: Download and complete the North Carolina Notary Public Application. ...
- Step 2: Complete the mandatory notary public course of study and pass the required written examination. ...
- Step 3: Send the completed application packet to the Notary Public Section. ...
- Step 4: Take the Notary Public Oaths of Office.
Can a NC notary notarize a document from another state? ›
Yes, a notary can legally notarize out-of-state documents as long as they are acting within the boundaries of their jurisdiction and in accordance with all local state requirements.
Can notaries perform weddings in NC? ›Notaries can perform a wedding ceremony if you live in the states of Florida, Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Montana. If you're not in these six states, notaries cannot legally marry you without taking extra steps.
How many notaries are there in NC? ›North Carolina — a state that lost more than 20,000 between 2007 and 2012 — saw significant growth in new Notaries as of 2017, now boasting an estimated 174,000 Notaries in 2017.
Is the CT Notary exam online? ›Yes. Passing an exam is required to become a Notary in Connecticut. The exam is part of the online application, and all questions must be answered correctly to receive your commission.
How much do online notaries make in NC? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $48,118 | $4,009 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,285 | $3,857 |
| Average | $43,934 | $3,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,286 | $2,940 |
How To Become A Notary or Notarize Your Documents in The Tar Heel State. Remote Online Notarization is now permanently legal in North Carolina after Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 776 into law on Friday, July 8, 2022.
How long does it take to get a Notary license in NC? ›You must take 6 hours of training and an exam.
What is the maximum a notary can charge in North Carolina? ›Notary Fees
Raises the maximum fees that may be charged for a traditional notarial act as follows: (a) for an acknowledgment, jurat, or verification or proof, from $5 to $10 per principal signature; (b) for oaths and affirmations, from $5 to $10 per person.
(a) A notary may perform any of the following notarial acts: (1) Acknowledgments. (2) Oaths and affirmations. (3) Repealed by Session Laws 2006-59, s.
How far back does a notary background check go in NC? ›How far back does a background screening go? A background check covers 10 years of federal, state and county records.
How much do mobile notaries make in North Carolina? ›
$27,450 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $136,865 is the 75th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers.
How do I notarize a car title in NC? ›Print your name and sign the title as the seller in the presence of a notary. All sellers must print and sign their name EXACTLY as it appears on the front of the title. You can have your title notarized at most banks or your local city hall.
Is a notary journal required in North Carolina? ›Am I required by law to maintain a notary journal in North Carolina? No, a notary public in the State of North Carolina is not required to maintain a notary journal.
Can a notary notarize their own signature in North Carolina? ›While this may seem convenient if a notary has a document to be notarized, the short answer is no, you cannot notarize your own signature.
Can I notarize for my daughter in NC? ›Each family member needs his or her signature notarized. Can I be the notary for them? No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.
Can a NC notary also be a witness? ›While a notary public may also serve as a document witness to a legal document that they are notarizing, this practice is discouraged. In most cases, a person cannot be both the notary and an impartial witness simultaneously in the performance of a notarial act.
How do I become a loan signing agent in NC? ›- Step #1 – Meet the North Carolina Basic Requirements. ...
- Step #2 – Get Your North Carolina Notary Public Manual. ...
- Step #3 – Complete the Notary Public Course. ...
- Step #4 – Pass Your Notary Public Exam. ...
- Step #5 – Submit Your Notary Application. ...
- Step #6 – Take Your Oath.
If the signer didn't appear or sign the documents used to foreclose in front of the notary- the documents are VOID. Notaries have been implicated in attesting under oath that certain events occurred in order to legitimize improperly transferred notes and flawed mortgage documents.
What is a notarial certificate NC? ›A North Carolina notarial certificate for an oath or affirmation, also known as a “jurat,” is a document that is completed by a notary public after they have administered an oath or affirmation.
How many questions are on the North Carolina notary exam? ›The exam has 50 questions. Once you click the start button, you will have 30 minutes to complete the exam.
Are signing agents in demand in NC? ›
Notary Signing Agent Training Course
Notary Signing Agents are in incredibly high demand.
On average, real estate agents make $84,459 per year according to salaries reported by Indeed users.
What qualities do you need to be a loan signing agent? ›- Have a client centered focus. A great signing agent knows they are representing a multitude of people when they conduct a signing. ...
- Know their notary state laws. ...
- Know and can interpret their clients loan package. ...
- Detail Oriented. ...
- Self-disciplined.
How much does a Loan Underwriter make in North Carolina? The average Loan Underwriter salary in North Carolina is $67,567 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $58,932 and $77,602.
How long does it take to get a notary license in NC? ›You must take 6 hours of training and an exam.
Can I take a notary class online in NC? ›Online Classes
You must have a valid (current) state or federal government issued photo ID, the required book, as well as a web camera, speakers, and microphone on your computer OR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to take part in the ONLINE course. Google Chrome is the preferred browser.
You must take a 6-hour class and exam to renew.
How much is a notary class in NC? ›This course is a total of 7 hours and costs $90. Additional cost include: commission fee, seal, oath of office, and a Notary Public Record Book should also be considered when registering.
How long is a notary stamp good for in NC? ›The notarization of any document does not expire itself. This means there is no such rule that states that a specific notary stamp expires and will not be acceptable after a certain date.
How often do you have to renew your notary license in NC? ›Your North Carolina notary public commission will be effective for five years. You can reapply for an NC notary renewal 10 weeks before the expiration date of your current commission.
Can you be a mobile Notary in NC? ›
North Carolina Mobile Notaries
Must be 18 years of age. Reside legally in the U.S. Live or have a place of work in North Carolina. Speak, read, and write English.