NC Notary Practice Test

The NC Notary exam is a mandatory 80%-passing test given at the end of a 6-hour, Secretary of State-approved notary course, and passing it is required before you can submit your commission application. The steps below walk through the full path from meeting the eligibility requirements to taking your oath of office at the Register of Deeds.

1. Meet Requirements - Confirm you are 18+, live/work in NC, and have no felonies.
2. Purchase Manual - Buy the latest NC Notary manual ($35 for the 2026 edition, published April 2026 by the UNC School of Government).
3. Take the Course - Complete a 6-hour NC Notary class at a community college ($70-$100).
4. Pass the Exam - Score at least 80% on the NC Notary exam administered in class.
5. Submit Application - Mail your application and $50 fee to the Secretary of State.
6. Receive Notification - Wait for your oath notification letter (2-3 weeks).
7. Take Oath - Visit your Register of Deeds within 45 days to take your oath and receive your commission.

Expect to spend approximately $210 - $250 to become a notary in NC. NC Notary renewal costs are lower (~$100 total) since you only need the renewal course and fee.

If you are searching for a NC notary sample test questions, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and this notary exam practice test covers the study notes below in the same order as the official exam topics.

Start Your NC Notary Journey

Don't let the exam stand in your way. Our free practice questions help you master the material and pass the first time.

Where to Get Documents Notarized in NC (And What Notaries Should Know)

Many North Carolinians turn first to bank notary services when they need a document signed, since most major banks and credit unions in NC offer notarization as a free courtesy to account holders — though a growing number of independent mobile and loan-signing notaries now compete on convenience and after-hours availability. If you are studying for the NC Notary exam, understanding how these settings differ matters: a bank notary typically works from a set branch, keeps a bound paper journal, and verifies identification with a driver's license or passport before applying the seal, while a mobile or electronic notary may travel to the signer or notarize a document remotely under North Carolina's video-notarization rules.

Whichever setting you plan to work in, the exam still tests the same core duties — confirming the signer's identity, ensuring they sign willingly and are of sound mind, and recording the act in your official journal. Knowing the fee limits set by G.S. 10B-31 ($10 for a paper acknowledgment or jurat, $15 for an electronic notarization, and $25 for a remote electronic notarization) is a common exam topic, whether you end up notarizing at a bank counter, a real estate closing, or your own home office. Use the free practice questions above to confirm you can apply these rules correctly before test day.

If your commission expires, you must take the full NC Notary class again. NC Notary renewal applicants who apply on time (up to 10 weeks before expiry) only need to pass the online reappointment exam with 80% or better, with no course required; you get three attempts in 30 days.

Official Resources

• NC Secretary of State — Notary Division: the official commissioning authority; check your commission status, find approved course providers, and read current notary bulletins.
• North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 10B: the full legal text governing notary qualifications, fees, and conduct — the primary source behind every exam question.
• UNC School of Government — NC Notary Public Manual (2026): the official required reference for the notary course and exam, published by the state's designated training authority.