Notary Public

Current Courses

Notary Public Workshop 

If you are at least 18 years old, have never been convicted of a felony, have a high school diploma or GED, and can satisfactorily complete this workshop, you can apply for your Notary Public Commission. The Notary Public Guidebook (current edition is 2016 and cost is non-refundable) is required and available to purchase at the GTCC bookstore for $26.70 before tax.

Before the class, you must purchase your textbook from the campus bookstore. If you arrive to class without your guidebook, you will not be allowed to attend the class. Please bring a photo I.D. (driver's license) to your class. Note: In-person classes are scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and include a one-hour lunch break. You must pass the notary public exam with a score of at least 80%.

Tuition Cost: $110

Notary Public WorkshopNotary Public Workshop (Online)

Seating is limited! You must reserve your seat for this course first, and then you will be notified by email of the next steps for registering for the notary public online course. Enrollment is based on first come, first serve. You must meet the computer technology requirements for this course.

The Notary Public Guidebook (current edition is 2016, and the cost is non-refundable) is required and available to purchase at the GTCC bookstore for $26.70 before tax. You must pass the notary public exam with a score of at least 80%. 

Tuition Cost $110 

E-Notary Public Workshop 

This class is for existing notary publics only. You will receive instruction in the newly legislated procedure required to exercise electronic notarial acts as set forth by the NC Secretary of State. You must hold a valid commission as a North Carolina notary public. Please note that this is not an online notary workshop class.

Note: A manual will be provided in class at no extra charge. The following must be with you to take the final exam:

• Notary Number
• Photo I.D. (Driver’s License)
• Email address

You must pass the notary public exam with a score of at least 80%. Tuition Cost $75

Steps in Becoming a Notary Public in the State of North Carolina

Step One: Register to take the Notary Public Course.

We offer these courses at various GTCC locations, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays. GTCC courses are for eight hours of instruction 8: 30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Friday, or Saturday, with one hour for lunch break.

Step Two: Purchase the 2016 North Carolina Notary Public Manual before attending the course.

You can purchase at our GTCC Campus Bookstores; the cost is $28.50. You can purchase it online at the UNC School of Government Bookstore at www.sog.unc.edu/pubs or call 919-966-4119. It is also available as an eBook.

• Please note if you do not have your Notary Public 2016 Manual for class, you will not be able to attend class and must re-register for the course.

Step Three: Complete the Notary Public course at the college.

You must pass the notary public course with a score of at least 80% at the end of the course.

Step Four: Complete your Notary Application

This will be given if you have successfully passed the Notary Public Exam by the instructor at the end of class. Please verify that the instructor has signed the application form. The Secretary of State Office will not accept an application without a signature from the instructor. Applicant MUST NOT SIGN the application in class.

Step Five: Have the notary application notarized (Sign it while in front of the notary!)

DO NOT notarize your own signature!

Step Six: Mail the application to the Department of the Secretary of State along with a $50 application fee within three months of class.

Send your application to:

NC Secretary of State
PO BOX 29626
Raleigh, NC 27626-06-26

Important:

• Non-U.S. citizens must submit proof of legal residence along with the submission of the notary application.
• The Secretary of State’s Office conducts criminal background checks as part of the notary application review process to ensure that you meet the qualifications to become a notary public. People failing this check do not become notaries.

Step Seven: Once your application has been processed, you will receive your Notary Oath Notification Letter from the Secretary of State’s Office via email or postal mail.

Keep an eye out for it!

Step Eight: Take the Oath of Office at the Register of Deeds Office in the county of your residence within 45 days.

• Take identification and a $10 fee for the oath. At that point, you will receive your Notary Certificate.

Step Nine: Now, purchase a North Carolina notary seal and begin notarizing documents.

For more information, visit the Secretary of State website, www.sosnc.gov, or call 919-814-5400.

What are the qualifications to be a Notary Public in North Carolina?

• Be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated by the court.
• Live or have a regular place of work or business in this state.
• Live legally in the United States.
• Speak, read, and write the English language.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Pass the notary public course with a score of at least 80%. (Licensed attorneys can apply for their notary commission without taking the course.)
• Purchase and keep the 2016 North Carolina Notary Public Manual as a reference.

Once qualifications are met, you can apply for your Notary Public Commission.

Ways to Register

Students can register in one of three ways: PREREGISTRATION is REQUIRED before attending class.

• Online: Register
  • Use the Search function to search for Course Title or Course Code.
• In Person:
  
  • Greensboro, 3505 E. Wendover Ave., Continuing Education Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday
  • High Point, 901 S. Main St., H1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday
• Mail: Download the Con Ed Registration Form [PDF] from the website, and mail it to GTCC, P.O. Box 309, Jamestown, N.C. 27282.