Notary Fees
North Carolina caps notarial fees by statute (G.S. 10B-31); traditional acts and electronic/RON acts have different maximums.
Maximum fees
North Carolina caps the fee for a traditional notarial act (acknowledgment, jurat/verification, oath or affirmation) at $5 per principal signature. Electronic and remote notarizations have a higher maximum set by statute (for example, up to $10 per act) to reflect the technology and verification involved. A notary may charge less but not more than the cap.
Disclosure and records
A notary who charges fees must not exceed the statutory maximum and should record fees charged. If the notary charges a fee, it should be agreed and transparent. Verify the current G.S. 10B-31 amounts before charging, as fee caps can change.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- Prelicensing education
- 6 hours (classroom course at a NC community college; G.S. §10B-8)
- Passing score
- 80%
Does North Carolina require a notary course and exam?
Yes. New applicants must complete a 6-hour classroom course offered by the state's community colleges and pass a written exam given as part of that course. Attorneys licensed by the NC State Bar are exempt from the exam.
What score do I need to pass the North Carolina notary exam?
You must score 80% or better to pass.
How much can a North Carolina notary charge per act?
As of July 1, 2023, North Carolina notaries may charge up to $10.00 per principal signature for traditional acknowledgments, jurats, verifications, and proofs (raised from $5), $15 for electronic notarization, and $25 for a remote online notarization.
How long is a North Carolina notary commission?
A North Carolina notary commission runs for 5 years.
Sources: https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/notary, https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_10B/GS_10B-8.html, https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/pdf/bysection/chapter_10b/gs_10b-31.pdf