General Information

The Register of Deeds office administers notary public oaths for New Hanover County notaries and authenticates New Hanover County notary signatures.

Requirements

All notary public forms are available at the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State website. You will need to mail the application form to the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State. The North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State will notify you to take an oath at the Register of Deeds Office. No appointment is necessary. Once you receive notification from the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State’s Office, come to either one of our offices any time between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Bring your notice from the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State’s office and a photo ID. The $10 fee is payable by cash, card or check.

Notary Public Authentications

The Register of Deeds office authenticates New Hanover County notary public signatures at a fee of $5 per authentication. To authenticate a New Hanover County notary public, the notary acknowledgement, notary signature, seal and expiration date must be present. Notary public authentications are processed the day they are presented to us.