Notary Public in North Carolina
Browse 109 cities in North Carolina to find a notary public near you.
North Carolina notaries serve a 5-year commission and are appointed at the county level rather than by a single statewide office. The Research Triangle (Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill) and Charlotte are among the fastest-growing metro areas in the Southeast, fueling strong demand for real estate notaries and loan signing agents across the state. The fee cap is $10 per signature. As with New York, North Carolina's remote online notarization status has been unsettled — verify current availability before assuming either way. North Carolina requires both training and a state exam, but no bond, to become a notary.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
North Carolina notaries are commissioned by the North Carolina Secretary of State, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a North Carolinanotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, North Carolina law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $10 per notarization (no separate travel/mileage fee allowed). A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in North Carolina
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required — 6 hours |
| State exam | Required |
Total cost to become a notary in North Carolina typically runs $180–$349, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the North Carolina Secretary of State.