Is the North Carolina notary exam open book?

No. It is a closed-book, proctored exam taken at the end of the community college course, so you must know the material from memory. You need at least 80% to pass.

How long is a North Carolina notary commission?

Five years, which is longer than the four-year term used by most states. You can begin a renewal several weeks before your commission expires.

Does North Carolina require a bond?

No. A surety bond is not required, and a journal is not currently mandated either, though errors-and-omissions insurance and a journal are both recommended.

Where do I take my oath of office?

At your county Register of Deeds, within 45 days of your oath notification letter. Missing that window means reapplying and paying the fee again.

North Carolina Notary Exam: Free Practice Test & 2026 Study Guide

This content is educational and informational, not legal advice. The practice questions are based on current North Carolina notary law (NCGS Chapter 10B), but the law can change. Always study with the official North Carolina Notary Public Manual and your community college course before the real exam.

Quick answer: North Carolina requires a 6-hour community college course and a closed-book, proctored exam that you pass with a score of at least 80%. After passing, you mail a $50 application to the Secretary of State, then take your oath at the county Register of Deeds within 45 days. The commission lasts five years, no bond is required, and the test below prepares you with questions based on real North Carolina law.

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North Carolina notary practice test (free)

Answer the questions below, then choose Practice mode for instant explanations or Timed practice to work against the clock. Every answer shows the rule behind it and the official source. North Carolina's exam is closed book, so practice until you can answer from memory — aim for 90%.

How does the North Carolina notary exam work?

North Carolina requires you to complete an approved 6-hour course at a community college and then pass a closed-book, proctored exam with a score of at least 80%. Unlike open-book states, you cannot use your manual during the test, so the course and the 2026 Notary Public Manual from the UNC School of Government are essential preparation. You have three attempts to pass within 30 days of finishing the course; miss that window and you must retake the course before testing again. Licensed North Carolina attorneys are exempt from both the course and the exam.

What happens after you pass?

Passing the exam is not the final step in North Carolina: you mail your application with a $50 fee to the Secretary of State, and once it is approved you receive an oath notification letter. You then have 45 days to take the oath of office at your county Register of Deeds, where you pay a small oath fee and receive your commission certificate. This Register of Deeds oath step is distinctive to North Carolina, and missing the 45-day window means reapplying and paying again.

What topics and rules should you know?

A few North Carolina rules surprise candidates who studied generic notary material, so lock these in:

Topic	Key North Carolina rule
Exam format	Closed book, proctored; score 80% or higher to pass (NCGS Chapter 10B)
Course	6-hour approved course at a community college (attorneys exempt)
Commission term	5 years
Surety bond	None required
Application fee	$50, mailed to the Secretary of State
Oath of office	Taken at the county Register of Deeds within 45 days

What requirements must you meet before you apply?

Before you can be commissioned you must complete the course, pass the exam, apply, and take your oath. Here is the general sequence:

Be at least 18 or legally emancipated, and reside or regularly work in North Carolina (bordering-state residents who work in NC also qualify).
Buy the 2026 North Carolina Notary Public Manual and complete the 6-hour community college course.
Pass the closed-book exam with 80% or higher (up to three attempts within 30 days).
Mail your instructor-signed application and $50 fee to the Secretary of State.
Take your oath at the county Register of Deeds within 45 days and order your seal.

North Carolina notary exam: frequently asked questions

Is the North Carolina notary exam open book?: No. It is a closed-book, proctored exam taken at the end of the community college course, so you must know the material from memory. You need at least 80% to pass.
How long is a North Carolina notary commission?: Five years, which is longer than the four-year term used by most states. You can begin a renewal several weeks before your commission expires.
Does North Carolina require a bond?: No. A surety bond is not required, and a journal is not currently mandated either, though errors-and-omissions insurance and a journal are both recommended.
Where do I take my oath of office?: At your county Register of Deeds, within 45 days of your oath notification letter. Missing that window means reapplying and paying the fee again.

Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State (Notary Public division), NCGS Chapter 10B, and the North Carolina Notary Public Manual (UNC School of Government). Confirm the current version on the North Carolina Secretary of State website.

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