North Carolina Promissory Notes

Create a legally compliant North Carolina promissory note that complies with state usury limits and includes all required provisions. Choose the note type that fits your lending situation, fill out the guided form, and download your professional PDF for $7.99.

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Secured Promissory Note

For loans backed by collateral such as a vehicle, property, or equipment. The lender can seize the collateral if the borrower defaults.

Complies with North Carolina usury limits (max 16%). Includes collateral description and default remedies.

Create Secured Promissory Note

Unsecured Promissory Note

For loans based solely on the borrower's promise to pay, with no collateral pledged. Common for personal and family loans.

North Carolina statute of limitations: 6 years. Max interest rate: 16%.

Create Unsecured Promissory Note

Installment Promissory Note

For loans repaid in fixed periodic payments over a set term. Includes a detailed payment schedule with amounts and due dates.

Includes amortization-ready payment terms compliant with North Carolina usury law (16% max rate).

Create Installment Promissory Note

Demand Promissory Note

Payable in full when the lender demands repayment. No fixed schedule or maturity date. Common for informal arrangements.

Payable on demand under North Carolina law. Includes usury savings clause and default provisions.

Create Demand Promissory Note

North Carolina Usury Law and Note Requirements

Max Interest Rate 16%

Rate Description 16% on loans of $25,000 or less; 8% legal rate absent a written contract. Loans over $25,000 may set any agreed rate in writing.

Default Rate 8%

Penalty for Exceeding Usury Limit Forfeiture of the entire interest; twice the interest paid may be recovered (G.S. 24-2)

Statute of Limitations 6 years

Notarization Required Not required (recommended)

Witness Required Not required

Governing Agency North Carolina Superior Courts

Verified against official North Carolina usury statutes and North Carolina Superior Courts guidance. Last reviewed May 2026. How we verify our legal data.

A North Carolina promissory note for $25,000 or less may carry a written interest rate of up to 16 percent per year, the maximum announced monthly by the Commissioner of Banks under Chapter 24 of the General Statutes. Loans over $25,000 may carry any rate the parties agree to in writing, and a note that is silent on interest falls back to the 8 percent legal rate.

A borrower charged usurious interest in North Carolina can recover twice the interest paid. The statute of limitations to enforce a written note is six years. Our documents include a usury savings clause and record the terms that keep a North Carolina note enforceable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum interest rate for a promissory note in North Carolina?

North Carolina caps the maximum interest rate at 16% (16% on loans of $25,000 or less; 8% legal rate absent a written contract. Loans over $25,000 may set any agreed rate in writing.). Exceeding this limit may result in penalties: Forfeiture of the entire interest; twice the interest paid may be recovered (G.S. 24-2). If no rate is specified, the default legal rate is 8%. Our documents include a usury savings clause for additional protection.

Does a promissory note need to be notarized in North Carolina?

Notarization is not legally required in North Carolina, but it is strongly recommended. A notarized note is easier to enforce in court and helps verify the identities of all parties. While not required, having 1 witness is recommended.

How much does a North Carolina promissory note cost?

Each promissory note costs $7.99. Choose your note type, fill in your details through our guided form, and download your completed, North Carolina-compliant PDF instantly. Re-download available for 5 days.

Create Your North Carolina Promissory Note

Usury-compliant, professionally formatted, and ready to sign. Download your PDF instantly for $7.99.

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