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.
Notary Fees & RON Guide — All 50 States
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.
- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON availability map — 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. Fees vary by provider, usually $20–$80.
Submit your application to the Register of Deeds (County)
File your completed notary application with the Register of Deeds (County) and pay the $50 application fee. Include your certificate of course completion. 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 — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
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 Register of Deeds (County) requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for North Carolina: $45.
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).
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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 | Not required |
| Education course | Required — 6 hours |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$45 |
| Filing office | Register of Deeds (County) |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $95–$175 |
6-hour approved education course required. Application and oath filed with the county Register of Deeds — not the Secretary of State. Additional $10 Register of Deeds fee. 5-year term.
Source: Register of Deeds (County) — 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.