Journal & Record-Keeping
North Carolina requires a journal for electronic and remote notarizations and recommends journaling for paper acts; the Manual stresses accurate records.
Journal for electronic/remote acts
North Carolina requires notaries performing electronic notarizations and remote (RON) notarizations to keep an electronic journal of those acts and, for RON, retain the audio-video recording. For traditional paper acts, keeping a journal is strongly recommended by the Secretary of State as a best practice that protects the notary.
What to record and retention
Journal entries record the date and time, the type of act, the type of document, the principal's name and how identified, and the fee. Electronic/RON journals and recordings must be retained for the period required by rule and kept secure. Good records help the notary respond if an act is later questioned.
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