Notary Public

To become a notary public in North Carolina download the North Carolina Notary Public Application, complete the mandatory notary public course, and pass the written test approved by the NC Department of the Secretary of State. A test will be given after six hours of classroom instruction. Notary public classes are offered at most community colleges. Applicants must pass the written exam with a score of 80% or higher.

After completion of the course, applications are sent to the Department of the Secretary of State Office, Notary Public Section, PO Box 29626, Raleigh, NC, 27626-0626, where they will be processed within 72 hours of receipt. Your application will be processed and returned to you with an Oath Notification Letter. Allow two weeks to receive your notice.

The Register of Deeds office administers the Oath of Office to the newly commissioned notary in the county where they reside, and keep a record of their commision status on file. The fee for administering the notary oath is $10. The oath must be taken within 45 days of the issue date listed on the oath notification letter. If the 45 days lapse before the oath is taken, a new application is required along with a $50 resubmission fee. Notary appointments are not valid until the oath office is taken.

Contact the NC Secretary of State Office at sosnc.gov/divisions/notary for more information.