Quick Facts
Commission Term
5 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$50
Issuing Authority
NC Secretary of State (with Register of Deeds for oath)
Journal
OptionalTraditionalMandatoryRON
Fee Caps
Yes
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free Tier Acknowledgment
Authorized
Jurat
Authorized
Oath / Affirmation
Authorized
Affidavit
Authorized
Deposition
Authorized
Protest
Authorized
Copy Certification
— Not authorized
Bills in Chancery
— Not authorized
Witnessing
Authorized
Safe Deposit Box
Authorized
Advanced Services
Pro Tier Remote Online Notarization
Authorized
Marriage Solemnization
— Not authorized
eNotarization
Authorized
Electronic Copy Cert.
— Not authorized
Identity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
North Carolina authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- NO BOND REQUIRED for traditional notaries (unique - NC is one of few states without bond requirement)
- Community college education: 6-hour course must be taught by NC community colleges (initial applicants)
- Safe deposit box authority: Specific statutory authority for witnessing bank safe deposit box openings (NCGS § 28A-15-13, § 53C-6-13)
- No direct copy certification: NC notaries cannot certify true copies directly; must use affidavit workaround (like IL, NY)
- Personal appearance revocation: Automatic commission revocation for notarizing without personal appearance (effective July 1, 2024)
Regulatory Authority
North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Division
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