Key Takeaways
- Oath must be taken within 45 days of commission issuance
- Oath is taken at the county Register of Deeds office
- Oath filing fee is $10
- Commission is valid for 5 years
- Failure to take oath within 45 days voids the commission
Last updated: January 2026
Oath of Office and Commission Activation
The final step to becoming a commissioned notary public in North Carolina is taking the oath of office. This step is mandatory and time-sensitive.
Oath of Office Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | County Register of Deeds office |
| Deadline | Within 45 days of commission issuance |
| Fee | $10 (cash, check, or credit/debit card) |
| ID Required | Valid state or federal photo identification |
| Consequence of Missing Deadline | Commission is void |
The Oath
The notary oath includes a pledge to:
- Faithfully perform the duties of the office
- Support the Constitution of the United States
- Support the Constitution of North Carolina
- Comply with all notary laws and regulations
After Taking the Oath
Upon completing the oath:
- Register of Deeds files the oath
- You receive your commission certificate
- You are officially a commissioned notary
- You may begin performing notarial acts
- You should obtain your notary seal/stamp
Commission Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term Length | 5 years |
| Jurisdiction | Statewide (all NC counties) |
| Renewal | Required before expiration |
| Transfer | Not transferable to another person |
Statewide Authority
Important: A North Carolina notary may perform notarial acts anywhere in the state, regardless of which county they were commissioned in or reside in.
Commission Certificate
Your commission certificate will include:
- Your commissioned name
- Your county of commission
- Commission effective date
- Commission expiration date
- Commission number
Obtaining Your Seal
After receiving your commission, you must obtain an official notary seal that includes:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- Your county of commission
- "North Carolina"
- Your commission expiration date
Key Points for the Exam
- Oath deadline: 45 days (CRITICAL - failure voids commission)
- Oath location: Register of Deeds office
- Oath fee: $10
- Commission term: 5 years
- Jurisdiction: Statewide authority
Test Your Knowledge
What happens if a new notary fails to take the oath of office within the required timeframe?
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D
Test Your Knowledge
Can a notary commissioned in Wake County perform notarial acts in Mecklenburg County?
A
B
C
D