how to become a notary in nc

To become a notary in North Carolina, you must complete several steps and meet specific requirements:

1. Eligibility Requirements:
   • Be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated.
   • Be a resident of North Carolina or regularly conduct business in the state.
   • Be a legal resident of the U.S.
   • Be able to read, write, and speak English.
   • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
   • Not have been released from incarceration, probation, or parole within the last 10 years.
   • Not have been convicted of certain felonies or disqualified under the North Carolina Constitution.
2. Training:
   • Complete a state-required Notary Public course consisting of 3 to 6 hours of classroom instruction at a North Carolina community college unless you are a licensed member of the North Carolina State Bar, who are exempt.
   • Purchase and keep a North Carolina Notary Public Manual as a reference.
3. Exam:
   • Pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. You have up to three attempts to pass within 30 days.
4. Application:
   • Submit a completed application form to the North Carolina Secretary of State Notary Division with a $50 non-refundable application fee (check or money order).
   • The application must include your signature acknowledged before a person authorized to administer oaths and a recommendation from a publicly elected official in North Carolina.
5. Oath and Commission:
   • Take the oath of office.
   • Pick up your notary commission.
6. Supplies:
   • Purchase your notary seal from an approved vendor.

The total cost of becoming a notary in North Carolina ranges approximately from $180 to $349, including the course, manual, application fee, oath of office, and notary seal. The commission term is five years, and the application processing may take up to two weeks if complete. For more details or to begin the process, you can contact local community colleges offering the course or check the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Notary Public Division. This detailed procedure ensures you meet legal, ethical, and educational standards for becoming a notary in North Carolina.