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
What makes North Carolina distinctive
- North Carolina permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- North Carolina's $50 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- North Carolina's 5-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity 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
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
NCGS Chapter 10B, Article 1
Notary Public Act
Traditional notarization statutory framework
NCGS Chapter 10B, Article 2
Electronic Notary Act
E-notarization and RON statutory framework
NCGS § 10B-3
Definitions
Key term definitions for notary law
NCGS § 10B-5
Qualifications for Commission
Eligibility requirements, disqualifying factors
NCGS § 10B-20
Powers and Limitations
Authorized notarial acts, prohibited conduct
NCGS § 10B-31
Fees for Notarial Acts
Maximum fee schedule ($10 traditional, $15 electronic, $25 RON)
NCGS § 10B-37
Seal Image Requirements
Seal specifications (circular 1.5-2" or rectangular max 1"x2.5")
NCGS § 10B-38
Journal Requirements
Journal rules (optional traditional, mandatory RON)
NCGS § 10B-41
Acknowledgment Certificate
Acknowledgment certificate form and requirements
NCGS § 10B-42
Verification/Proof Certificate
Verification by subscribing witness requirements
NCGS § 10B-43
Oath/Affirmation Certificate
Jurat and oath certificate forms
NCGS § 10B-60
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations, disciplinary actions, criminal penalties
NCGS § 10B-134 et seq.
Electronic and Remote Electronic Notarization
E-notarization and RON authorization and requirements
NCGS § 10B-134.9
Remote Online Notarization
RON specific requirements (effective July 1, 2024)
NCGS § 28A-15-13
Safe Deposit Box Opening (Decedent)
Procedures for opening decedent's safe deposit box
NCGS § 53C-6-13
Safe Deposit Box Procedures
Bank safe deposit box opening procedures
NCGS § 51-1
Marriage Solemnization
Lists authorized marriage officiants (notaries NOT included)
18 NCAC Chapter 07
Notary Public Division Administrative Rules
Detailed regulations for notary practices
18 NCAC 07I
Remote Electronic Notarization Rules
RON administrative rules (effective July 1, 2024)
18 NCAC 07C Section .0700
Attorney Notaries
Rules specific to attorney notaries
18 NCAC 07H, 07I, 07J
18 NCAC 07 - Administrative Rules Update 2025
Updated administrative rules for certificates, e-notary platforms, and seal vendors
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in North Carolina?
A North Carolina notary public commission is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in North Carolina?
North Carolina charges $50 as the application fee to the North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does North Carolina require a notary bond?
No. North Carolina does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in North Carolina?
Journal requirements in North Carolina are: OptionalTraditionalMandatoryRON. Consult the North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Division for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Division.
Can North Carolina notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. North Carolina authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can North Carolina notaries use?
North Carolina notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does North Carolina cap notary fees?
Yes. North Carolina sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum fees set by statute (NCGS § 10B-31); travel fees allowed at federal business mileage rate with prior written agreement; must display fee schedule at place of business
Who regulates notaries in North Carolina?
North Carolina notaries are commissioned and regulated by the North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does North Carolina authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. North Carolina authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can North Carolina notaries perform?
North Carolina notaries are authorized to perform 10 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in North Carolina?
Start your application through the North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Division.
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