Seal, Stamp & Signature
North Carolina requires a notary seal or stamp with prescribed elements on every notarial certificate.
Required seal elements
A North Carolina notary must use a seal or stamp containing the notary's name exactly as commissioned, the words 'Notary Public,' the county of commissioning, and 'North Carolina' (or 'NC'). The seal must be photographically reproducible and appear near the notary's signature on the certificate. A commission expiration date is included on the certificate.
Care and security of the seal
The seal is the exclusive property of the notary and must be kept secure and used only by the notary. If it is lost or stolen, the notary must notify the Secretary of State. On resignation, revocation, or expiration, the seal should be disposed of so it cannot be misused.
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