YES!!! CPCC offers this course regularly throughout each semester at various campus locations and times.

CPCC strives to offer convenient times and locations for working people, which is why we offer weekend, and day classes at various locations.

This program is designed for those individuals whose jobs require that they become commissioned as a Notary Public in NC or for those who wish to provide a service to the community as a Notary Public.

A Notary Public’s purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery on contracts and statements; the Notary Public ensures that certificate contains the required elements

A person qualified for a notarial commission shall meet all the following requirements:

(1)  Be at least 18 years of age

(2)  Reside or have a regular place or work or business in North Carolina

(3)  Reside legally in the United States

(4)  Speak, read and write the English language

(5)  Possess a high school diploma or equivalent

(6)  Pass a course of instruction that is approved by the Secretary of State

            NOTE:  as of 12/1/05 course length must be 6 hours.

(7)  Purchase and keep as a reference the most recent edition of the Notary Guidebook that describes the duties and authority of a Notary Public.

(8)  Submit an application containing no significant misstatement or omission of fact.  The application must be signed by an elected public official in North Carolina (effective 6/30/09 this does not apply to Mecklenburg, Wake and Guilford Counties); and the applicant’s signature must be acknowledged by a person authorized to administer oaths.

(9)  If the applicant has ever been convicted of a felony, written proof that rights of citizenship have been restored must be submitted along with the application (Note: if the felony involves fraud, theft, etc., the Secretary of State can still deny the applicant’s application even if the rights of citizenship have been restored due to the nature of the crime committed).

Please note: Students wishing to take the notary public course must provide, to the instructor on the day of class, a federal or state issued photo ID in order to sit for the class and take the final exam. 

Yes. It is a required course for everyone who wants to become a North Carolina Notary except for Licensed Members of the North Carolina Bar.

Please view our current course schedule (pdf).
(reference course code BUS 7116)

Before the Class:

• The course cost is $92.  There is an additional fee of $4.00 for Campus Access Parking and Security (C.A.P.S.)

• Required text: Notary Public Guidebook ($21.50 plus tax) available at CPCC Bookstores and must be purchased before the start of class.

After the Class:

• Application fee to Secretary of State in Raleigh ($50)

• Oath of Office at Register of Deeds in applicant's county of residence ($10)

• Notary seal (ordered from a business supply store) approximately $25 - $35

Yes, a test is given at the conclusion of the class. Participants who successfully complete the test are given an "Application for Initial Appointment as a Notary Public" officially signed by the instructor. All of the required information is covered during class. However, it is helpful to review the book ahead of time to become familiar with the material so that you may formulate any questions pertinent to your business needs or interests to ask the instructor during the class.

All instructors are certified by the NC Secretary of State.

Application Process

After successful completion of the 6-hour course, individuals will receive an “Application for Initial Appointment as a Notary Public” form which has been signed by the instructor at the end of class.  The completed application should be mailed, along with a check for $50 to the Notaries Public Division, Department of the Secretary of State (complete address is on the back of the application).

In seven to ten days the appointee’s commission will be sent to the Register of Deeds Office in his/her county of residence, and a notice of this will be mailed to the appointee.  Within 45 days the appointee must take the oath of office at the Register of Deeds Office and sign the Book of Notaries.  There is a $10 charge for this.

If the appointee works in Mecklenburg County, but does not live in North Carolina, the appointee’s commission will be sent to the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office.  Notice of this will be mailed to the appointee.  With 45 days the appointee must take the oath of office at the Register of Deeds Office in Mecklenburg County and sign the Book of Notaries.  There is a $10 charge for this.

Re-commission:

Notaries may apply for re-commissioning no earlier than 10 weeks prior to expiration date.  Three new requirements for re-commissioning are:

- Submit a new application.

- Meet all requirements for initial commissioning.

- Pass a written (on-line) exam unless a licensed member of the
  N.C. State Bar.  Note: If an existing notary does not wish to take the

 on-line exam from the state, they may register for the 6 hour course

 at CPCC and take the written exam at the end of the class.  They will  be given an application at that time.  This course will give the notary all the updated information on the 12/1/05 legislation and suffice for re-commission.

Notaries may reapply for re-commissioning within one year after expiration of commission.  They must comply with all other re-commissioning requirements and must also fulfill educational requirements (notary class) unless the Secretary waives that requirement for the applicant.

You must send a name change and/or change of address form to the Secretary of State in Raleigh. Follow their directions to complete the steps.

The name change and change of address forms can be downloaded from the Secretary of State website: www.sosnc.com

It's easy to register at CPCC. Here are 3 ways:

1. Contact one of our friendly customer service representatives at 704-330-4223.

2. For returning students, call our automated phone response system, CHRIS, at 704-330-6970. You will need your PIN and the specific phone code for the course.

                                                OR

    3.   Register on CPCC's website and reference the

          course code above to register.

Office of the Secretary of State in Raleigh
919-807-2131

Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds
704-336-2443