Skip to main content

College of The Albemarle

site logo desktop site logo mobile

Notary Public RequirementsWorkforce Development and Career Readiness

home icon>Programs & Classes>Noncredit>Notary Public Requirements

Notary

*The book and a valid driver’s license or photo ID are required; one must be a High School/GED graduate. Notary Public Manual for North Carolina 11th ed. 2016 is required to own, should be read before the class, and can be purchased from the COA Bookstore (252) 270-1324 in Elizabeth City or NC Secretary of State website. You will be responsible for mailing the notary certificate fee to the state after successfully completing the class and test. If you have an unexpired commission and need to renew, please go online to the NC Secretary of State website. Students must provide a current state or federal picture identification for admission to the class. The ID must be a valid (not expired) ID with a picture of the face and either signature or physical descriptors or both. Temporary licenses will not be accepted. **Students must possess their own personal copy of the Notary Public Manual.

 

North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS)

NCGS 10B-5(b) provided the following requirements to be commissioned as a Notary Public in North Carolina:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Reside or have a regular place of work or business in this State;
  • Reside legally in the United States;
  • Speak, read and write the English language;
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
  • Pass the course of instruction described in this Article, unless the person is a licensed member of the North Carolina State Bar;
  • Purchase and keep as a reference the most recent manual approved by the Secretary that describes the duties and authority of notaries public;
  • Submit an application containing no significant misstatement or omission of fact; and
  • No criminal record.

If you have questions about eligibility for being commissioned as a Notary in North Carolina, call the Secretary of State of Notary Public Section at 919-814-5400 before you register to have your questions answered.

E-Notary

This course is designed for instructional areas related to individuals who want to become commissioned as an electronic notary. Topics include legal, ethical and procedural requirements of the Notary Act set forth in the General Statute 10B Article 2. Upon completion of this course with a passing exam grade of 80%, a person is eligible to make an application with the NC Secretary of State office. Individuals must have a current notary commission to participate in E-notary training. Please bring with you a valid Driver’s License (needs to be a clear picture, not faded & not expired) & your current Notary Public number. Your E-Notary Manual will be provided in class.

For some classes, please register online.

If you are looking for a class that is not currently listed, please contact 252-335-0821 ext. 2250 or 252-473-2264 ext. 7037 (Dare students). Classes that you will need to call to register are available here.