We currently do not offer electronic notary services. E-Notary services are expected to be available by May 2025

Similar to a traditional Notary Public, an Electronic Notary in North Carolina is a Notary Public who is authorized to perform notarizations electronically, rather than on paper documents. This process involves the use of technology to facilitate the notarization, typically a computer or tablet, allowing a signer and Notary to sign and execute documents. Currently, the principal signer and Notary still must meet face-to face for electronic notarizations.

Here’s a brief overview of how electronic notarizations work in North Carolina:

Requirements
The Notary must be commissioned by the state of North Carolina, and they must complete additional training to become an Electronic Notary. They also need to use an approved electronic notarization platform or software that meets state standards.

Electronic Signatures and Documents
The document being notarized must be in an electronic format (like a PDF), and the signer must apply an electronic signature to it. The Notary will then affix their electronic notarial seal and signature using the approved platform.

Identity Verification
As the signer and Notary meet in person for an electronic notarization, identity will be verified in the same way as a traditional notarization.

Legal Validity
Electronic notarizations in North Carolina are legally binding, just like traditional notarizations, provided all required protocols are followed.

Benefits
In short, an Electronic Notary in North Carolina offers a more modern and efficient way of notarizing documents. Electronic notarizations conserve paper and time as there is no need to print documents and then scan them for an electronic copy. This can especially reduce delays with loans and real estate transactions.

Remote Online Notarizations are currently not permitted in North Carolina. RONs are estimated to be permitted in the state in July of 2025

Remote Online Notarizations were permitted as an emergency service in North Carolina during Covid restrictions, and state law was passed in July of 2023, House Bill 776, to allow RONs permanently. The state has since been working to establish guidelines and standards ahead of the law being enacted, estimated July 2025.

A Remote Online Notary (RON) is a Notary Public who performs notarizations remotely using audio-visual technology (such as video calls), rather than requiring the signer to be physically present. This service allows individuals to get documents notarized online with signer and Notary in separate locations.

The Remote Online Notarization process involves the following key steps:

Audio-Visual Technology
The notarization takes place in real-time via a video call, during which the Notary and the signer communicate.

Identification Verification
The Notary must verify the identity of the signer using approved methods, such as credential analysis or personal knowledge, along with identity proofing via video conferencing.

Electronic Signatures
The documents are signed electronically, and the notary’s electronic signature and seal are affixed to the document.

RON offers a convenient alternative for people who need notarizations but cannot meet with a notary in person due to location, time constraints, or other reasons.