1. How do I contact the Secretary of State about a Notary question?

You may visit the Secretary of State's website at www.sosnc.com and click on the Notary Public section.

The Notary Public Section of the North Carolina Secretary of State's Office is available for assistance from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays. You may contact them by phone at 919.807.2219, by email at notary@sosnc.com, or by fax at 919.807.2210.

Back to Top

2. How do I obtain an initial appointment or reappointment form?

All Notary Public forms and information are available on the Secretary of State's website. Visit www.sosnc.com to view their website.

Back to Top

3. How do I become a Notary Public?

Rockingham Community College offers the notary class that is required prior to submission of your initial appointment application. You will receive your initial appointment application from the notary instructor. Class schedules are available from Rockingham Community College at (336) 342.4261. Visit their website at www.rcc.cc.nc.us for more information.

Back to Top

4. Who can I contact to sign my Initial Appointment for Notary?

Any elected official which includes the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Court, District Attorney, Sheriff, County Commissioner or any other county, city or town, or state-elected official can sign. It is suggested that you call in advance to be sure the official will be available.

Back to Top

5. What is the fee to obtain my appointment?

Make check or money order payable to NC Secretary of State in the amount of $50. Fees are non-refundable. Do not send cash. Allow approximately three weeks for the processing of applications.

Back to Top

6. Where do I mail my appointment form?

Mail application and fee to:

Notary Public Section

Department of the Secretary of State

PO Box 29626

Raleigh, NC 27626-0626

 

Back to Top

7. What are the requirements to become a Notary Public?

This and other information can be found at www.sosnc.com or contact the Secretary of State's office directly at 919.807.2219.

Back to Top

8. Do I need to take a test?

A test is available on-line. Visit www.sosnc.com for more information.

Back to Top

9. Do I need an appointment to take my Notary Public oath at the Register of Deeds Office?

No appointment is necessary.  We issue oaths between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Back to Top

10. What should I bring with me?

The Secretary of State will send you an oath notification letter advising you that your commission has been mailed to the Register of Deeds office in the county in which the commission is issued to take the oath of office. Bring this letter with you, along with current photo identification.

Back to Top

11. What is the fee to take my oath of office as a Notary?

The notary oath fee is $10, payable by cash or check made payable to the Rockingham County Register of Deeds.

Back to Top

12. Where can I purchase a Notary Public Guidebook?

The Institute of Government, CB#3330 Knapp Building, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3330. Telephone number is 919-966-4119. For cost and other details, visit their website at: http://ncinfo.iog.unc.edu/ and click the link for Publications. 

Locally, the Rockingham Community College bookstore has copies available for purchase.

Back to Top

THE OATH MUST BE TAKEN WITHIN 45 DAYS OF THE COMMISSION ISSUE DATE LISTED ON THE "CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT AS A NOTARY PUBLIC" LETTER. IF 45 DAYS LAPSE BEFORE THE OATH IS TAKEN, the notary certificate and transmittal is returned to the Department of the Secretary of State and the applicant must re-apply, including payment of the fee.

Notary appointments are NOT valid until the oath of office is taken.

Back to Top

The Register of Deeds or any of her/his Assistants or Deputy Registers of Deeds can assist you.

Back to Top

See Section on "Notary Public" for more information.