How Much It Costs to Become a Notary in North Carolina

Published: March 10, 2026

Many people interested in becoming a notary ask the same question before starting the process: How much does it cost to become a notary in North Carolina?

The good news is that becoming a notary in North Carolina is relatively affordable compared to many other professional certifications. The total cost typically includes the required education course, state application fees, and basic supplies such as a notary seal.

Understanding these costs ahead of time can help you plan for the process and avoid surprises.

If you are just beginning your research, you may also want to read our Complete Guide to Becoming a Notary in North Carolina, which explains the full process step-by-step.

Required State Fees

North Carolina requires applicants to pay certain state fees as part of the commissioning process. These fees are established by state law and apply to all new notary applicants.

Notary Application Fee

The application fee for a North Carolina notary commission is $50.

This fee is submitted with your application when applying to become a notary.

Oath of Office Fee

After your application is approved, you must take the official oath of office at your local Register of Deeds office.

The oath of office fee is $10.

Once the oath is taken and recorded, you officially become a commissioned notary.

Official information about notary commissioning fees can be found on the North Carolina Secretary of State Notary Division website.

Cost of the Required Notary Course

Before submitting a notary application, North Carolina requires applicants to complete a state-approved notary education course offered through a community college and pass the required exam.

The cost of this course varies depending on the community college offering the training. Most courses are designed to be affordable and accessible to the public.

Community colleges may offer:

• in-person classes

• online courses

• evening or weekend sessions

Course availability and pricing may vary, so applicants should check with their local community college for current schedules and tuition costs.

If you want to learn more about the training requirements, read our article North Carolina Notary Training Requirements Explained.

Cost of Notary Supplies

After receiving a notary commission, you will need a few basic supplies to perform notarizations properly.

These typically include a notary seal and a journal for recordkeeping.

Notary Stamp or Seal

North Carolina notaries must obtain a North Carolina-compliant notary stamp or seal to authenticate notarizations.

Notary stamps must meet formatting requirements established by state law.

Many notaries purchase their stamp from vendors that specialize in North Carolina-compliant notary supplies, such as A Notary Store Plus More, which provides stamps designed to meet state requirements.

Notary Journal

Although not always legally required in every situation, maintaining a notary journal is widely considered a best practice.

A journal creates a record of each notarization and can help protect the notary if questions arise later about a transaction. Proper recordkeeping can also provide clarity if a notarization is ever challenged.

The NCNA recommends this journal created by NC Signing Services, which is designed specifically for North Carolina notaries and structured to support proper recordkeeping.

Optional Training and Professional Development

After becoming a notary, some individuals choose to pursue additional training to expand their opportunities and professional skills.

Examples include:

• advanced notary education

• loan signing agent training

• business training for mobile notaries

Some notaries pursue advanced instruction through providers such as NC Notary Training, which offers in-depth education tailored specifically to North Carolina notarial practices.

Notaries interested in loan signing work may also explore certification programs offered by the National Notary Association (NNA), which are widely recognized within the mortgage industry.

In addition to training, many notaries choose to join professional organizations that provide education, resources, and networking opportunities. The North Carolina Notary Association (NCNA) offers training, professional development, legislative updates, and events designed specifically for North Carolina notaries.

Membership in a professional organization can provide access to continuing education, industry updates, and connections with other notaries across the state.

Estimated Cost to Become a Notary in North Carolina

Expense	Typical Cost
Community College Training	Varies by institution
Application Fee	$50.00
Oath of Office	$10.00
Notary Stamp or Seal	Varies
Notary Journal	Varies

While the mandatory state fees total $60, the overall cost to become a notary in North Carolina will vary depending on the training provider and the notary supplies selected.

Additional costs may include:

• the required notary education course

• a notary stamp or seal

• a notary journal

• optional professional training

Overall, becoming a notary is generally considered an affordable way to begin offering professional services in your community.

Ways to Reduce Your Startup Costs

For many applicants, becoming a notary is an affordable process. However, there are still ways to reduce costs when getting started.

Helpful tips include:

• comparing prices for notary supplies

• purchasing supplies from trusted vendors

• checking multiple community colleges for course availability

• taking advantage of training or resource opportunities offered by professional organizations

Planning ahead can help ensure you obtain the necessary supplies and training without spending more than necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Costs

What is the total cost to become a notary in North Carolina?

The required state fees include a $50 application fee and a $10 oath of office fee, in addition to the cost of the required education course and notary supplies.

Do you have to buy a notary stamp in North Carolina?

Yes. Notaries must obtain a North Carolina-compliant notary stamp or seal in order to perform notarizations.

Is a notary journal required in North Carolina?

While a journal may not be required for every type of notarization, maintaining a notary journal is widely recommended as a best practice.

Continue Your Notary Journey

Understanding the cost of becoming a notary is an important step when planning the process.

If you are ready to move forward, the next step is completing the required education course and submitting your application.

For a complete overview of the process, read our Complete Guide to Becoming a Notary in North Carolina, which explains every step involved in obtaining a notary commission.

Next, learn about Common Mistakes New North Carolina Notaries Make to avoid costly errors after you receive your commission.