North Carolina Notary Public Exam Overview
The North Carolina Notary Public Exam is administered on behalf of the North Carolina Secretary of State. North Carolina has one of the most comprehensive notary education and examination requirements in the nation, governed by the Notary Public Act (Chapter 10B).
Passing this exam qualifies you to become a North Carolina Notary Public—serving over 10.5 million residents with a generous 5-year commission term and modern electronic notarization capabilities.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 50 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 1 hour |
| Passing Score | 80% (40 correct answers) |
| Exam Fee | Included in course (~$100-125) |
| Education Required | 6-hour approved course |
| Commission Term | 5 years |
| Surety Bond | $10,000 required |
Why Become a North Carolina Notary?
- Large population — Over 10.5 million potential clients
- 5-year commission — Longer than most states
- Electronic notarization — Both IPEN and RON authorized
- Growing state — Population influx creates demand
- Comprehensive training — 6-hour course prepares well
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. Notary Fundamentals (20%)
Commission Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- North Carolina resident or regularly work in NC
- Complete 6-hour approved education course
- Pass the state examination
- Obtain $10,000 surety bond
- No disqualifying criminal history
Appointment Process:
- Complete approved training course
- Pass examination (proctored)
- Submit application to Secretary of State
- Pay application fee ($50)
- Obtain surety bond
- Take oath of office
Oath of Office:
- Must take oath before register of deeds
- Filed in county of residence
- Swear to faithfully perform duties
- Commission effective upon filing
2. Types of Notarial Acts (35%)
Acknowledgments:
- Signer acknowledges signing voluntarily
- Most common notarial act in NC
- Used for deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney
- Certificate must include proper venue
Verifications (Jurats):
- Signer swears or affirms content is true
- Must sign in notary's presence
- Notary administers oath or affirmation
- Common for affidavits
Oaths and Affirmations:
- Administered for various purposes
- May be verbal without document
- Used for depositions, witness oaths
- Affirmation for religious objections
Certified Copies:
- Can certify copies of certain documents
- Cannot certify vital records
- Cannot certify public records
- Specific procedures in Chapter 10B
3. NC General Statutes Chapter 10B (25%)
Notary Public Act:
- Comprehensive NC notary law
- Chapter 10B of General Statutes
- Includes Electronic Notary Act
- Modern framework for notarial practice
Key Legal Provisions:
- Section 10B-3 — Definitions
- Section 10B-5 — Notary commission
- Section 10B-20 — Notarial acts
- Section 10B-35 — Prohibited acts
- Section 10B-60 — Fees
Prohibited Acts:
- Cannot notarize your own signature
- Cannot act with financial interest
- Cannot certify vital records
- Cannot provide legal advice
- Cannot notarize incomplete documents
4. Electronic Notarization (10%)
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN):
- Signer physically present
- Electronic signature and seal
- Electronic journal required
- Tamper-evident technology
Remote Online Notarization (RON):
- Signer not physically present
- Audio-visual technology required
- Identity proofing required
- Credential analysis
- Additional registration required
5. Identification and Procedures (15%)
Satisfactory Evidence:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Valid and not expired
- NC driver's license or ID
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
Personal Knowledge:
- Notary personally knows signer
- Based on familiarity over time
- Document basis in records
- Most reliable identification
Credible Witness:
- One credible witness allowed in NC
- Witness must personally know signer
- Witness presents acceptable ID to notary
- Swears to signer's identity
6. Records and Fees (5%)
Journal Requirements:
- Journal optional but recommended
- Required for electronic notarization
- Maintained for protection
- 10-year retention recommended
Fee Schedule:
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $10 |
| Verification (Jurat) | $10 |
| Oath or affirmation | $10 |
| Certified copy | $10 |
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Complete 6-hour education course | 6 |
| Week 1-2 | Notary fundamentals | 3-4 |
| Week 2 | Types of notarial acts | 4-5 |
| Week 2-3 | Chapter 10B provisions | 4-5 |
| Week 3 | Electronic notarization (IPEN/RON) | 3-4 |
| Week 3-4 | Identification and procedures | 2-3 |
| Week 4 | Practice exams and review | 4-5 |
Total recommended study time: 27-33 hours (including required course)
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North Carolina-Specific Exam Tips
1. Master Chapter 10B
North Carolina's notary laws are in Chapter 10B:
- Know key section numbers
- Understand the Notary Public Act
- Know Electronic Notary Act provisions
- Memorize prohibited acts
2. Understand Electronic Notarization
NC authorizes both IPEN and RON:
- Know the difference between IPEN and RON
- IPEN — signer physically present
- RON — signer remote via audio-visual
- Different requirements for each
3. Know the 5-Year Commission
North Carolina has a longer term:
- 5 years (longer than most states)
- Less frequent renewal required
- Lower long-term costs
- Bond must remain current
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | NC Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 80% (40/50) |
| Education | 6 hours |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Bond amount | $10,000 |
| Max fee per act | $10 |
| Application fee | $50 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping required course — 6-hour course is mandatory
- Ignoring Chapter 10B — Core of exam content
- Not understanding IPEN vs. RON — Important distinction
- Missing 80% threshold — Higher than average
- Forgetting electronic journal — Required for e-notarization
- Underestimating preparation — 50 questions is substantial
After Passing Your Exam
- Submit application to Secretary of State
- Pay $50 application fee to state
- Obtain $10,000 surety bond from approved provider
- Take oath of office before register of deeds
- File oath and bond in county of residence
- Purchase notary seal meeting state specifications
- Begin your notary practice — Commission valid 5 years
2026 North Carolina Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Remote Online Notarization updates
- Electronic journal requirements
- Chapter 10B amendments
- Fee schedule reviews
Start Your North Carolina Notary Career Today
The North Carolina Notary Public commission opens doors to serving one of the nation's growing states with modern electronic notarization capabilities and a generous 5-year term. With proper preparation, you can pass the exam on your first attempt.
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