Notary Public

Earn Your Notary Public State Licensure in One Day

As a notary public, you’ll provide a vital service to our community. It will be your job to ensure the integrity and authenticity of important documents and transactions, from deeds and mortgages to affidavits and wills.

This licensure will allow you to verify a broad range of legal documents, and engage with people interested in finalizing wills, home purchases and other important transactions.

At South Piedmont, you can prepare to become a notary public in just one day.

Quick training that leads to an in-demand and highly flexible licensure? We’ll sign off on that.

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The Program Options

8 Hours

South Piedmont’s 8-hour Notary Public course meets North Carolina’s state requirements for certification and is ideal if you are seeking to become a notary for the first time or are looking to renew your licensure. This course provides the foundational knowledge needed to serve as a notary public in North Carolina.

Mode

In-person

Link to Curriculum Map

Prerequisites

Meet state requirements to become a notary public.

Information on prerequisites

Experience

Our instructors are experienced notaries who are excited about teaching you.

Test

You will complete your NC licensure exam as part of your day in class.

Resources

We will advise on textbook purchase once registered — and help at every step!

Notary FAQ

This course prepares you to take the Notary Public Examination, which will qualify you to notarize documents in North Carolina. A minimum score of 80 percent is required to pass the exam.

To become a notary public, state statute requires that you:

Submit an application to the state containing no significant misstatement or omission of fact. Your application must include your signature written with pen and ink, and the signature must be acknowledged by a person authorized to administer oaths.
Be at least 18 years of age, or legally emancipated as defined in Article 35 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes.
Reside or have a regular place of work or business in North Carolina.
Reside legally in the United States.
Speak, read, and write the English language.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Pass the course of instruction described in Chapter 10B, unless the person is a licensed member of the North Carolina State Bar.
Purchase and keep as a reference the most recent manual approved by the Secretary of State that describes the duties and authority of notaries public.

Please bring:

A photo ID, such as your driver’s license
A black ink pen
A hard or electronic copy of the North Carolina Notary Public Manual, 2016 Edition, ISBN 978-1-56011-851-0. You can purchase the manual through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.

When ordering a hard copy of the manual, please check the expected delivery date to make sure you’ll receive it prior to the date that your class starts. If you order an electronic copy, make sure that the manual is downloaded and viewable on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone prior to class beginning.

An In-Demand Licensure That Will Advance Your Career

Becoming a notary public is a smart and rewarding move for several compelling reasons. It offers a high level of flexibility, allowing notaries to set their own schedules and often work independently. The demand for notaries remains consistently strong, driven by the ongoing need for notarized documents in legal, financial, and real estate transactions. This steady demand translates into job stability and opens the door to growth opportunities — especially for those who offer mobile notary services or partner with businesses and law firms.

Additionally, the certification process is quick and affordable, making this career accessible to a wide range of individuals. Notaries are also trusted professionals who play an essential role in ensuring the authenticity of legal documents, which can be both rewarding and fulfilling.

At South Piedmont, you’ll get high-quality preparation for your notary licensure in just one day!

Four students dressed in business casual attire seated around a table, engaged in a discussion.

Photo of Calleesha Teel, South Piedmont's Notary Public instructor.

Provide a Public Service

I enjoy meeting and interacting with people. I get to help people during life-changing events, whether that’s buying or refinancing a house or creating a will. I help them understand the documents they’re signing and make the process as smooth as possible.
Calleesha Teel, Notary Public instructor

Career Support

At South Piedmont, we offer a wide range of supports to help you prepare for success in the workforce, from resume development to job search assistance.

SP | Career Connector