How to Become a Remote Online Notary in North Carolina (2026)

Overview

North Carolina’s electronic notary (eNotary) commission is administered by the Secretary of State. The $50 eNotary registration fee and the community college structure make this a more involved process than most states – but North Carolina’s RON framework is fully active and the market is strong. Once the eNotary commission is in hand and an approved solution provider is selected, North Carolina eNotaries can perform remote notarizations.

North Carolina’s Two-Track System: Traditional + eNotary

North Carolina has a fully separate track for electronic notary authorization:

• Track 1 – Traditional commission: Community college course + 80% exam score + notarized application + $50 fee + oath at county Register of Deeds + commission certificate
• Track 2 – Electronic notary commission: Separate 3-hour community college eNotary course + 80% exam score + notarized registration form + $50 fee mailed to SoS + eNotary oath at county Register of Deeds + eNotary certificate

Both tracks must be completed in sequence. You cannot apply for the eNotary commission without holding an active traditional commission. The eNotary commission is your RON authorization in North Carolina.

Track 1: Obtaining the Traditional North Carolina Notary Commission

Before applying for eNotary status, you must hold an active traditional commission:

1. Enroll in the state-mandated Notary Public Course at a local community college (required by law)
2. Obtain the Notary Guidebook from the community college or The School of Government at UNC Chapel Hill
3. Complete the course and pass the exam with at least 80%
4. Complete the application, have it notarized, and submit with a $50 fee
5. Receive the Notary Oath Notification Letter
6. Take your oath of office at your county’s Register of Deeds within 45 days of the letter
7. Receive your commission certificate and purchase a notary seal

Track 2: Obtaining the North Carolina Electronic Notary Commission

Once your traditional commission is active, complete the eNotary track:

1. Enroll in the electronic notary course at your local community college (3-hour course, required by law)
2. Complete the course and pass the exam with at least 80%
3. Complete the online registration form at sosnc.gov
4. Print, sign, and have the form notarized by a valid notary
5. Mail the notarized form and a $50 eNotary registration fee to: NC Secretary of State, PO Box 29626, Raleigh, NC 27626
6. Receive the Electronic Notary Oath Notification Letter
7. Take the electronic notary oath at your county’s Register of Deeds within 45 days
8. Receive your Electronic Notary Certificate

Selecting an Approved eNotary Solution Provider

After receiving the eNotary certificate, select a solution provider from the SoS-approved list at sosnc.gov/divisions/notary/e_notary_solution_providers. The approved list includes providers with NC-compliant identity verification, audio-visual recording, and secure document management. Obtain a digital certificate and electronic seal through your chosen provider. Platforms that have been on the approved list include:

• DocVerify – enterprise and financial document focus
• SIGNiX – mortgage and title integrations
• Notarize (Proof) – consumer-facing session volume
• Pavaso – real estate and mortgage document workflows

Why North Carolina’s Process Takes Longer

The community college requirement means your timeline is dependent on course availability at local institutions. Community college eNotary courses are offered periodically – not continuously on demand. When planning your North Carolina RON launch:

• Check community college schedules in advance – courses may be offered monthly, quarterly, or less frequently
• The 45-day oath window after receiving the notification letter is firm – missing it requires restarting the application
• Budget 2-4 months total for both tracks from start to first remote session

Common Mistakes North Carolina eNotary Applicants Make

• Not having the registration form notarized before mailing – a plain signature is not accepted
• Missing the 45-day oath window after receiving the oath notification letter
• Enrolling in a general RON training course instead of North Carolina’s community college eNotary course
• Performing remote sessions before the eNotary certificate is in hand
• Not budgeting enough time for community college course scheduling

Before You Start

North Carolina requires an active eNotary commission before any remote session. Complete both the traditional commission track and the eNotary track, including both community college courses, both exams, both notarized applications, both oath ceremonies at the Register of Deeds, and selection of an approved solution provider. Official reference: NC Secretary of State – Notary Division.

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