Notary Public

To Become a Notary

To become a Notary Public, an applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements, some of these are:
  • Be at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated by the court.
  • Reside in North Carolina or be employed or have a regular place of business in the state.
  • Satisfactorily complete a Notary Public course of study that is approved by the Secretary Of State, unless the person is a licensed member of the Bar of North Carolina.
  • Purchase and keep (as a reference) the Notary Public Guidebook For North Carolina approved by the Secretary Of State that describes the duties, authority, and ethical responsibilities of notaries public.
  • Submit an Initial Application (PDF) For North Carolina Notary Public form to the N.C. Secretary Of State, Notary Division office, along with a non-refundable application fee $50. (check or money order only). 
    Notary Public Division
    Department Of The Secretary Of State
    300 N Salisbury Street
    Raleigh, NC 27603-5909

Reappointment

Eligibility requirements for reappointment as Notary Public are the same. For Notary Public reappointment: no more than 30 days prior to expiration date, an applicant must submit a Reappointment Application For North Carolina Notary Public form (PDF) to the N.C. Secretary Of State, Notary Division office, along with a non-refundable application fee of $50 (check or money order only). 
Notary Public Division
Department Of The Secretary Of State
300 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27603-5909

Change of Name/Address:

A notary must notify the secretary of state of a name or address change by completing the change of name/address form at the Secretary of State's website. After receiving confirmation of a[[roval, you must appear before the Register of Deeds within 45 days of the date of issuance to take the oath. the fee for administering the oath is $10.

To Be Sworn In:

Upon receiving notice from the N.C. Secretary of State office that the application has been processed:

  1. Contact the Register if Deeds office to verify that your application has been received.
  2. Go to the Register of Deeds office to be sworn in within 45 days of the date of issuance.
  3. Submit fee of $10.00 (cash, check or debit/credit card).
  4. Notary Oaths are administered between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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