How to Become a Notary in NC Online
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In North Carolina
Becoming an Online Notary in North Carolina is a simple way to offer convenient services and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How Do You Become An Online Notary In North Carolina?
North Carolina’s permanent Notarization laws took effect July 1, 2024. The temporary COVID authorization was the governing rule prior to that time. To become a remote online Notary in North Carolina, follow these steps:
Here are the steps to become an electronic notary in North Carolina:
- Obtain a North Carolina notary commission.
- Take a three hour electronic notary course of instruction. This can usually be registered for at your local community college.
- Successfully complete the electronic notary course and achieve a passing score of 80% or higher on the exam.
- Fill out the online registration form to become an electronic notary.
- Print and sign the registration form, then have it notarized by a valid notary.
- Send the notarized registration form along with a $50 registration fee to the Department of Secretary of State at the following address:
NC Secretary of State
PO Box 29626
Raleigh, NC 27626 - Receive the Electronic Notary Oath Notification Letter from the Department of Secretary of State, which you will need to take to the Register of Deeds office.
- Visit the Register of Deeds Office to take your oath within 45 days of receiving the Electronic Notary commission issue date.
- Obtain the Electronic Notary Certificate to Perform Electronic Notarizations from the Register of Deeds.
- Present the Electronic Notary Certificate to Perform Electronic Notarizations to an approved electronic notary solution provider listed on the website. Obtain an electronic notary signature and seal through the approved provider.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in North Carolina and approved and familiar with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your states local Online Notary laws!
How to Become a Traditional Notary in North Carolina (Get your Notary Commission)
To become a Notary Public in North Carolina, follow these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet North Carolina’s eligibility requirements (outlined below).
- Register for the Required Course: Enroll in the state-required Notary Public Course.
- Obtain the Notary Guidebook: Get your North Carolina Notary Public Guidebook, available at your local community college or The School of Government at UNC Chapel Hill.
- Attend the Notary Public Course: Participate in the Notary Public Course offered at your local community college.
- Pass the Exam: Successfully pass the North Carolina Notary Public exam with a score of 80% or higher.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application and have it notarized.
- Submission: Submit your application, an up-to-date resume, the $50 application fee, and a business card (if available) to the Secretary of State. Ensure that your submission is made within three months of completing the course.
- Receive Oath Notification: Expect to receive your Notary Oath Notification Letter from the Secretary of State via email.
- Take the Oath: Within 45 days of receiving the notification, take your oath of office and collect your commission at your county’s Register of Deeds. A $10 fee applies.
- Acquire Notary Seal: Purchase your Notary seal.
- Consider Additional Measures (Optional but Highly Recommended): Use a journal and consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to minimize your financial exposure.
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in North Carolina.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in North Carolina?
To become a Notary in North Carolina, applicants must meet the following fundamental qualifications:
- Age or Legal Emancipation: Be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated.
- Residency or Business Presence: Reside in North Carolina or regularly conduct business within the state.
- U.S. Legal Residency: Hold legal residency status in the United States.
- Proficiency in English: Possess the ability to read, write, and speak English.
- Education: Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Notary Manual: Maintain the most recent Notary manual approved by the North Carolina Secretary of State.
- Criminal History: Not have been released from incarceration, probation, or parole within the past 10 years.
For further details, consult the North Carolina eNotarization Handbook or the North Carolina SoS Website.
Are Online Notaries Legal in North Carolina?
Remote online notary (RON) services are now permanently legal in North Carolina, allowing commissioned and licensed notaries to conduct remote notarizations. Remote electronic notarization will become a permanent practice as authorized by N.C.G.S. 10B-134 under the Electronic Notary Act.
North Carolina Online Notary FAQ’s
Q.1 Are There Training and Technology Requirements for North Carolina Online Notaries?
- Training and Exam: Yes. North Carolina mandates a 3 hour training course for electronic notaries.
- Essential Tools and Technology: To perform online notarizations in North Carolina, virtual Notaries should have a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Your computer must support two-way audio and visual communication for RON services. Additionally, you’ll need to select a RON vendor that complies with North Carolina’s requirements. Check the North Carolina list of eNotary Solution Providers.
- Digital Certificate and Electronic Seal: Obtain a digital certificate containing your electronic signature and an electronic seal. These are provided by BlueNotary.
Q2. What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those that are doing it online.
Q3. How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in North Carolina?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signings (where the industry standard is $150 per session) and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. You will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
Q4. How do I Start Notarizing Online in North Carolina?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other North Carolina notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer help answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and the independent notary looking to grow their own business. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
Register and get started here: Sign Up.
