How to Become a North Carolina Notary in 2026
North Carolina requires a 6-hour approved course and passing an exam at 80%. Application fee is $50 — no bond required. Note the new 2025 seal rule. Charlotte and Raleigh NSAs earn $75–$200/signing.
Commission Cost
~$125 – $230
NSA-Ready Cost
~$390 – $845
NSA Signing Fee
$75 – $200
Commission Term
5 years
6-hour approved course + 80% exam required
Must complete a 6-hour NC SOS-approved notary course and pass the embedded exam with at least 80%. NC Bar members are exempt from both. Verify your provider is on the current NC approved list before enrolling.
New 2025 seal rule — effective July 1, 2025
Notary seals made after July 1, 2025 can only show: your name, "Notary Public," county, "North Carolina," and optionally your commission expiration date. Logos, decorative elements, and extra text are prohibited on new seals.
Best North Carolina Notary Training Programs (2026)
1. NNA (NC Package)Best All-in-One
NC SOS-approved training provider. 6-hour course, exam prep, seal stamp, journal, 5-year NNA Hotline (matches NC 5-year commission). Verify current pricing at nationalnotary.org/north-carolina/become-a-notary.
Verify
at NNA
2. Loan Signing System (LSS)Best NSA Training
#1 rated NSA training — 100,000+ students. Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham are among the strongest NSA markets in the Southeast. $347 one-time or 4x$97/mo.
$347
Six Figure
3. NNA NSA CertificationIndustry Standard
Background check + NSA certification required by most NC title companies. $199 (background + training) or $299 (adds NNA membership).
$199
or $299
Best North Carolina Notary Training Programs
All 2 schools are North Carolina NC Secretary of State-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
NNA NSA Certification
Industry Standard CredentialStarting at
$199
- Industry-standard background check required by most title companies
- NSA Certification Training and Exam (80%+ passing)
- Listing on SigningAgent.com directory included
- Mark Wills recommends getting BOTH LSS certification AND NNA certification
Available Packages (2)
Background Screening + Training
- Background Screening (required by mortgage industry)
- NSA Certification Training and Exam
- Listing on SigningAgent.com
Loan Signing System (LSS) - Mark Wills
Best NSA Training CourseStarting at
$347
- #1 rated NSA training course - 100,000+ students nationwide
- Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham are among the strongest NSA markets in the Southeast
- Includes LSS Certification recognized by title companies
- 4 months LIVE 1:1 mentorship + biweekly coaching calls
- 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days
Available Packages (1)
Six Figure Course
- NSA Training + LSS Certification
- 9-Step Notary Business Blueprint
- Video walkthroughs of all 5 loan signing types
- 4 months mentorship + coaching calls
- 300+ companies hiring signing agents
- Payment plan: 4 x /month
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
North Carolina Notary — Key Facts
North Carolina notaries are commissioned by the NC Secretary of State under NCGS Chapter 10B. Key differentiators:
6-hr course + 80% exam
NC Bar members exempt from both
Verify approved provider at sosnc.gov
No surety bond
Standard commission
Lower startup cost than most states
2025 seal rule
Effective July 1, 2025
Minimal required elements only
5-year commission
Renewal requires new course + exam
NNA hotline also 5-year
How Much Do North Carolina Notary Signing Agents Earn?
Standard NC Signing
$75 – $150
Per loan signing appointment
Charlotte/Raleigh Premium
$100 – $175
Major market premium fees
Full-Time Top Operators
$60K – $100K+
Direct title relationships
| Market | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Metro | $100 – $175 |
| Raleigh-Durham Triangle | $100 – $175 |
| Greensboro / Triad | $75 – $150 |
| Wilmington | $75 – $150 |
| Asheville | $75 – $150 |
How to Become a North Carolina Notary — Step by Step
Complete 6-hour NC SOS-approved notary course and pass exam at 80%+
Enroll in a Secretary of State-approved 6-hour notary education course. Pass the embedded exam with at least 80%. NC Bar members are exempt. Verify your provider is on the current NC approved list at sosnc.gov before enrolling.
Submit application and $50 fee to NC Secretary of State
Mail your completed application with $50 fee to: Notary Public Section, PO Box 29626, Raleigh, NC 27626-0626. Or apply online at sosnc.gov. No surety bond required.
Purchase July 2025-compliant notary seal and journal
Buy a notary seal compliant with the July 1, 2025 rule: only name, "Notary Public," county, "North Carolina," and optionally commission expiration date. No logos or decorative elements. Purchase a notary journal for record-keeping.
Add NSA training for Charlotte and Raleigh loan signing income
Loan Signing System ($347) for comprehensive NSA training + NNA background check ($199 — required by Charlotte and Raleigh title companies) + E&O insurance ($100,000, ~$100-$250/yr).
NC Notary Requirements at a Glance
Commission Requirements
- Age 18+; NC resident or regularly employed in NC
- 6-hour NC SOS-approved course (NC Bar members exempt)
- Pass notary exam at 80%+ (NC Bar members exempt)
- $50 application fee
- No surety bond required
- 5-year commission term
- New 2025 seal rule effective July 1, 2025
Regulator
- Agency: NC Secretary of State — Notary Public Section
- Website: sosnc.gov/notary/
- Mail to: PO Box 29626, Raleigh, NC 27626-0626
- Statute: NCGS Chapter 10B
- EVN (video notarization): Extended through July 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions — North Carolina Notary
How do I become a notary public in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires completing a 6-hour approved notary education course and passing an exam with at least 80%. NC Bar members are exempt from both. Submit your application with a $50 fee to the NC Secretary of State's Notary Public Section (mail to PO Box 29626, Raleigh, NC 27626-0626 or apply online at sosnc.gov). No surety bond required. Once commissioned, purchase your notary seal and journal. Full process typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Does North Carolina require an exam to become a notary?
Yes. North Carolina requires passing a notary exam with at least 80%. The exam is administered by the course instructor or community college upon completion of the 6-hour approved course. NC Bar members are completely exempt from both the course and exam.
Does North Carolina require a surety bond?
No. Unlike most states, North Carolina does not require notaries to purchase a surety bond. This keeps startup costs lower — typically $125-$230 total for a basic commission.
How long is a North Carolina notary commission?
A North Carolina notary commission lasts 5 years. Renewal requires completing a new 6-hour approved course, passing the 80% exam again, and paying a new $50 application fee.
What is the 2025 seal rule change in North Carolina?
Effective July 1, 2025, notary seals manufactured after this date cannot include any information beyond: notary's name, "Notary Public," county name, "North Carolina," and optionally the commission expiration date. Any decorative elements, logos, or additional text on seals made after July 1, 2025 are prohibited. If you have an existing compliant seal, verify it meets the new requirements.
How much does it cost to become a North Carolina notary?
Basic commission cost: ~$125-$230 ($50 application fee + $40-$100 for the 6-hour course + $20-$50 seal + $15-$30 journal). No bond required. NSA-ready total: ~$390-$845 (add LSS training $347, NNA background check $65, E&O insurance $100-$250/yr).
What is a Notary Signing Agent and how much do they earn in North Carolina?
A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) facilitates real estate loan closings — earning $75-$200 per appointment. Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham are among the strongest NSA markets in the Southeast. Full-time operators with direct title company relationships earn $60,000-$100,000+.
What are the best markets for North Carolina notary signing agents?
Charlotte Metro is the largest NC market — a major banking hub with consistently high transaction volume. Raleigh-Durham (Research Triangle) is the fastest-growing NC market driven by tech and university employment. The Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point) provides steady mid-state volume. Wilmington is a growing coastal/retiree market.
Does North Carolina support electronic or remote notarization?
Yes. NC permits Electronic Notarization (ERON). The state also has Emergency Video Notarization (EVN) extended through July 1, 2026. Full permanent RON status — verify current implementation at sosnc.gov.
Is North Carolina's 6-hour course in-person or online?
North Carolina requires a 6-hour course from a Secretary of State-approved instructor or community college. Some approved providers offer online courses. The exam is administered by the course provider upon completion. Verify that your chosen provider is currently on the NC SOS approved list before enrolling.