QUESTION AND ANSWERS 2025-2026 update.
What is the minimum score for passing the NC Notary Public Exam? -
ANSWER>>80%
Within how many days of the Notary commission issue date should the
oath be taken? - ANSWER>>45 days
Where does one take the oath? - ANSWER>>Register of Deeds office
How soon can you begin the renewal process prior to the date your
commission expires? - ANSWER>>10 weeks
How long does a North Carolina Notary commission last? (what is the
length of the term?) - ANSWER>>5 years
What is the state commission fee for being a notary public? -
ANSWER>>$50
How long does it take to process the application? - ANSWER>>2 weeks
What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary? -
ANSWER>>18 years old
What are the residency requirements to become a notary in NC? -
ANSWER>>Either reside in the state (or) regularly conduct business in NC
What are the language requirements to become a notary in NC? -
ANSWER>>Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
What are the educational requirements to become a notary in NC? -
ANSWER>>Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, (and) keep the
most recent Notary manual approved by the NC Secretary of State
, What are the criminal restrictions to become a notary in NC? -
ANSWER>>Those convicted of a felony under NC or federal law, or those
convicted of a felony in another state that is also a felony in NC may not
become an NC notary public.
What other restrictions are there to become a notary in NC? -
ANSWER>>Those convicted of corruption or malpractice in any office, (or)
those who have been removed from any office by impeachment may not
become an NC notary public.
Is keeping a Notary journal required in the NC? - ANSWER>>Yes, it is now
required.
Who can a NC Notary notarize for? - ANSWER>>Everyone, except
yourself.
Where can an NC notary perform notarial acts (what is the jurisdiction?) -
ANSWER>>In all 100 counties on North Carolina: statewide jurisdiction.
Where will the notary be commissioned? - ANSWER>>In the NC county
where you reside, or if not an NC resident, where you work.
What is the penalty for performing notary acts before taking the oath of
office? - ANSWER>>Class 1 misdemeanor
Acknowledgment: - ANSWER>>1) individual appeared in person and
presented record, 2) individual was personally known to the notary, 3)
signed while in the physical presence of the notary (or) indicated that the
signature was his/her own