NC NOTARY Study Guide 2026

Under NCGS Chapter 150B (Administrative Procedures Act), an applicant denied a notary commission by the NC SOS may appeal the decision by requesting a contested case hearing before the NC Office of Administrative Hearings.

North Carolina law imposes specific restrictions on who can become a notary public, including a prohibition against individuals with a history of corruption or malpractice in public office, or those removed by impeachment. This requirement ensures the integrity and trustworthiness of notaries, who hold a position of public trust. Other general requirements include being at least 18, a resident, and able to read/write English.

Under NCGS §10B-20, a NC notary commission requires the notary to maintain NC residency or regular employment in NC. Moving one's residence to another state without maintaining NC employment results in automatic loss of the NC commission.

A notary's official seal is their exclusive tool of office and must be kept secure. A notary is expressly prohibited from allowing another person to use their seal for any reason. Doing so is a serious act of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the notarial act.

An electronic notary's electronic seal must contain the same information required on a traditional seal — the notary's name, commission number, and commission expiration date — but in electronic format. It must also be tamper-evident.

An applicant whose commission is denied may appeal to the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings for a contested case hearing.