North Carolina Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Under NCGS Chapter 10B, the notarial certificate on a document must include which elements?

The date of notarization, venue, notary's signature, printed name, and commission expiration date (Correct answer)
The signer's address and date of birth
Only the notary's signature and seal
The notary's Social Security number and home address

Correct answer: The date of notarization, venue, notary's signature, printed name, and commission expiration date

A valid NC notarial certificate must include: the venue (state and county), date of the notarial act, the notary's official signature, their printed name, and their commission expiration date. The seal is also required.

Question 2: A notary applicant in North Carolina who submits a false application may face:

A $50 fine only
Mandatory retraining before reapplying
A temporary suspension of 30 days
Denial or revocation of the commission and possible criminal charges (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Denial or revocation of the commission and possible criminal charges

Submitting false information on a notary application can result in denial, revocation, and criminal prosecution.

Question 3: What does a North Carolina copy certification certificate attest to?

That the notary personally created or witnessed the creation of the original document
That the copy is a true, exact, complete, and accurate reproduction of the original document (Correct answer)
That the document has been authenticated by the NC Secretary of State for official use
That the contents of the original document are factually accurate and legally binding

Correct answer: That the copy is a true, exact, complete, and accurate reproduction of the original document

The copy certification certificate states that the copy is a true, exact, complete, and accurate reproduction of the original. The notary is certifying the fidelity of the copy to the original — not vouching for the authenticity or legal validity of the original document's contents.

Question 4: Under NCGS Chapter 10B, an electronic notary's journal entry must include which of the following?

The type of notarial act, date, principal's name, and method of identity verification (Correct answer)
The full text of the document that was notarized
The principal's Social Security number and bank account information
Only the type of notarial act and the fee charged

Correct answer: The type of notarial act, date, principal's name, and method of identity verification

Under NCGS §10B-130, each electronic journal entry must include: the type and date of the notarial act, the name and address of the principal, the type of identification used to verify the principal's identity, and any fee charged.

Question 5: Under NC law, 'satisfactory evidence of identity' for a notarization includes which of the following?

A current passport, driver's license, or similar government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
A library card with a photo
The signer's verbal assertion of their name
A credit card with the signer's name

Correct answer: A current passport, driver's license, or similar government-issued photo ID

Under NCGS §10B-3, satisfactory evidence of identity means a current document issued by a government agency bearing a photographic image of the individual's face, their signature, and a physical description or serial number.

Question 6: A North Carolina notary is presented with a document in Spanish and is asked to certify a translation. What is the proper course of action?

Notarize the translator's oath that the translation is accurate to the best of their knowledge (Correct answer)
Refuse because notaries cannot certify translations under any circumstances
Require the document to be officially translated by a court-certified translator first
Notarize the translation only if the notary is fluent in Spanish

Correct answer: Notarize the translator's oath that the translation is accurate to the best of their knowledge

A notary can administer an oath to a translator who swears the translation is accurate, but the notary does not independently certify the translation's accuracy.

Question 7: When a North Carolina electronic notary performs a remote notarization, the notarial certificate must contain specific information. Which of the following statements is required to be included?

The name of the communication technology platform used.
The make and model of the computer used by the notary.
A statement that the notarization is a remote electronic notarization. (Correct answer)
The internet protocol (IP) address of the remotely located principal.

Correct answer: A statement that the notarization is a remote electronic notarization.

The remote electronic notarial certificate must explicitly state that the act was a remote electronic notarization performed using communication technology. This clarifies the method of notarization for anyone relying on the document. It also must include a statement identifying where the principal was physically located.

Question 8: What does "commission" refer to in the context of a notary public?

The fee charged by a notary for their services
The empowerment to perform notarial acts and the written evidence of authority to perform those acts (Correct answer)
The process of renewing a notary's certification
The official record of notarial acts performed

Correct answer: The empowerment to perform notarial acts and the written evidence of authority to perform those acts

A notary's "commission" is the official authorization granted by the state that empowers an individual to perform notarial acts. It includes both the legal right to act as a notary and the physical document (certificate of commission) that serves as proof of this authority. This commission is essential for a notary to legally execute their duties and is valid for a specific term.

Question 9: A notary's commission expires. Two weeks later, before receiving their renewed commission, the individual notarizes a document for a friend as a favor. According to G.S. 10B-60, this person could be found guilty of what offense?

A Class 1 misdemeanor. (Correct answer)
Official negligence, resulting in a formal warning.
The unauthorized practice of law.
A Class G felony.

Correct answer: A Class 1 misdemeanor.

G.S. 10B-60(b)(2) specifies that performing a notarial act when the person's commission has expired or been suspended is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It is a serious offense to act as a notary without a valid, active commission.

Question 10: When performing a verification on oath or affirmation, the notary must ensure the signer:

Is a North Carolina resident
Presents two forms of government-issued ID
Swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true (Correct answer)
Has signed the document in the notary's presence only

Correct answer: Swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true

A verification on oath (jurat) requires the signer to swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true.

Question 11: When a notary personally knows the signer, what additional identification is required under NC law?

Two utility bills confirming the signer's address
No additional ID — personal knowledge alone is satisfactory evidence (Correct answer)
At least one government-issued photo ID
A credible witness vouching for the signer

Correct answer: No additional ID — personal knowledge alone is satisfactory evidence

If the notary has personal knowledge of the signer's identity, that alone constitutes satisfactory evidence under NC notary statutes.

Question 12: Under NCGS Chapter 10B, what is a 'credible identifying witness' and when may one be used?

A person personally known to the notary who vouches for the signer's identity when the signer cannot produce acceptable ID (Correct answer)
An attorney who verifies the signer's identity in writing, used for all notarizations
A law enforcement officer who checks the signer's identity in a police database
Any two people who know the signer, used when a government ID is not available

Correct answer: A person personally known to the notary who vouches for the signer's identity when the signer cannot produce acceptable ID

A credible identifying witness is a person personally known to the notary who vouches for a signer who cannot produce acceptable ID. The witness must take an oath before the notary confirming the signer's identity.

Question 13: Under NCGS §10B-3, which of the following does NOT qualify as satisfactory evidence of identity for a NC notarization?

A current state driver's license with a photo
A current US passport
An expired government-issued ID from 6 months ago (Correct answer)
A current US military ID with a photo

Correct answer: An expired government-issued ID from 6 months ago

Under NCGS §10B-3(22), satisfactory evidence of identity must be a CURRENT government-issued photo ID. An expired ID — even if only 6 months expired — does not meet the 'current' requirement and is not acceptable.

Question 14: A NC notary is sued by a signer who claims the notary failed to properly verify their identity and they suffered financial loss as a result. The notary may be found liable if:

The notary's commission had been renewed less than 6 months earlier
The notary charged more than $5 for the notarization
The signer can prove the document was fraudulent
The notary failed to exercise reasonable care in the identity verification process (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary failed to exercise reasonable care in the identity verification process

Under NC law, a notary can be found liable for negligence if they failed to exercise reasonable care in verifying the signer's identity and this failure caused the plaintiff's loss. The standard is reasonable care, not perfection.

Question 15: A credible witness is being used to identify a signer. Which of the following disqualifies someone from serving as a credible witness in North Carolina?

The witness has a financial interest in the document being notarized (Correct answer)
The witness is over 70 years old
The witness has known the signer for fewer than five years
The witness lives in a different county than the signer

Correct answer: The witness has a financial interest in the document being notarized

A credible witness with a financial interest in the transaction is disqualified because that interest undermines the reliability of the identification.

Question 16: What restrictions apply to becoming a notary in North Carolina?

Must have a law degree
Must not have been convicted of corruption or malpractice in any office or removed from any office by impeachment (Correct answer)
Must have a clean criminal record
Must be a resident of the county

Correct answer: Must not have been convicted of corruption or malpractice in any office or removed from any office by impeachment

North Carolina law imposes specific restrictions on who can become a notary public, including a prohibition against individuals with a history of corruption or malpractice in public office, or those removed by impeachment. This requirement ensures the integrity and trustworthiness of notaries, who hold a position of public trust. Other general requirements include being at least 18, a resident, and able to read/write English.

Question 17: A prospective notary public in North Carolina must meet several qualifications. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for an initial commission?

Be at least 21 years of age.
Hold a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Satisfactorily complete a state-approved six-hour course. (Correct answer)
Be a resident of North Carolina for at least one year.

Correct answer: Satisfactorily complete a state-approved six-hour course.

North Carolina General Statute §10B-8(a) requires every applicant for an initial notary commission to take a course of classroom instruction of not less than six hours approved by the Secretary of State within the three months preceding their application. While applicants must reside or work in the state, there is no one-year durational requirement. The minimum age is 18, not 21. A driver's license is not a specific requirement for the commission itself.

Question 18: Under what circumstances may a North Carolina notary face liability even when acting in good faith?

Only when the notary charges an improper fee
When the notary fails to follow required statutory procedures, causing harm (Correct answer)
Only when the notary refuses to perform a notarization
Never; good faith is a complete defense to all notary liability

Correct answer: When the notary fails to follow required statutory procedures, causing harm

Good faith does not shield a notary from liability if they fail to follow required procedures and that failure causes harm to a party.

Question 19: To become an electronic notary in North Carolina, a traditional notary must:

Pass a bar exam component on electronic transactions
Automatically qualify based on their existing commission
Simply purchase an electronic seal from an approved vendor
Register separately with the NC SOS and complete approved electronic notary training (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Register separately with the NC SOS and complete approved electronic notary training

Under NCGS §10B-106, a NC notary who wishes to perform electronic notarizations must separately register as an electronic notary with the NC SOS and complete approved electronic notary training. A traditional commission alone is insufficient.

Question 20: What is the primary legal difference between an oath and an affirmation in North Carolina?

An oath is sworn invoking a divine or religious reference; an affirmation is a solemn declaration without religious reference (Correct answer)
An oath requires two witnesses while an affirmation requires none
An oath applies only to real estate documents while an affirmation applies to financial documents
An affirmation carries criminal penalties for perjury while an oath does not

Correct answer: An oath is sworn invoking a divine or religious reference; an affirmation is a solemn declaration without religious reference

An affirmation is legally equivalent to an oath but omits religious references, making it available to those who object on religious or conscientious grounds. Both carry the same legal force and the same perjury penalties.

Question 21: A signer presents a valid U.S. military dependent ID card. Should an NC notary accept this for identification?

No, only IDs belonging to the signer personally are acceptable
No, dependent IDs are not government-issued documents
Yes, if it contains a photo and is issued by the U.S. Department of Defense (Correct answer)
Yes, but only for signers on military installations

Correct answer: Yes, if it contains a photo and is issued by the U.S. Department of Defense

A U.S. military dependent ID issued by the DoD with a photo qualifies as a government-issued photo ID under NC notary requirements.

Question 22: Under North Carolina law, which of the following documents CANNOT be notarized using remote online notarization (RON)?

Loan closing documents
Powers of attorney
Real estate deeds
Wills executed under N.C.G.S. Chapter 31 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Wills executed under N.C.G.S. Chapter 31

North Carolina law expressly prohibits remote online notarization for wills governed by N.C.G.S. Chapter 31, which require traditional in-person witnesses and notarization.

Question 23: Under NCGS §10B-60, a NC notary who advertises notary services in Spanish but adds the title 'Notario Público' is potentially violating NC law because:

Foreign language advertising is prohibited for NC notaries
Spanish-language advertising requires prior NC SOS approval
The title must include the English equivalent in parentheses to be legal
The title 'Notario Público' implies attorney-equivalent status in many Latin American cultures and can mislead clients (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The title 'Notario Público' implies attorney-equivalent status in many Latin American cultures and can mislead clients

Under NCGS §10B-99.2, using the title 'Notario' or 'Notario Público' is prohibited in NC because in many Latin American countries, a 'Notario' is an attorney. Using this title can mislead Spanish-speaking clients into thinking they are receiving legal services.

Question 24: Before receiving an initial North Carolina notary commission, an applicant is required to complete:

A 6-hour approved notary education course (Correct answer)
A state-administered proctored written examination only
A 10-hour apprenticeship under an active notary
A 3-hour online self-paced refresher course

Correct answer: A 6-hour approved notary education course

NCGS 10B-5 requires first-time applicants to complete a 6-hour notary education course approved by the Secretary of State before the commission is granted. Renewal applicants have a shorter course requirement.

Question 25: A notary's seal is lost or stolen. What is the notary's FIRST required action?

File a police report and notify their employer
Wait 30 days before taking any action
Notify the Secretary of State and cease using any seal until a new one is obtained (Correct answer)
Order a new seal immediately and continue working

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and cease using any seal until a new one is obtained

A notary whose seal is lost or stolen must notify the Secretary of State promptly and stop performing notarial acts until a replacement seal is secured.

Question 26: When a NC notary changes their name (e.g., due to marriage), they must:

Notify the NC SOS and obtain a new commission reflecting the new name (Correct answer)
File a name change form with the county register of deeds only
Immediately stop performing notarial acts until a new commission is issued
Continue using the old commission name since the commission is still valid

Correct answer: Notify the NC SOS and obtain a new commission reflecting the new name

When a NC notary legally changes their name, they must notify the NC SOS and apply for a new commission in their new name. They may continue performing notarizations under their old name until the new commission arrives, using a transitional signature.

Question 27: What does "division" refer to in the context of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State Notary Public Section?

The section within the Secretary of State's office responsible for regulating notary public (Correct answer)
The administrative division managing notary seal applications
The department responsible for issuing notary commissions
The legal division overseeing notary public misconduct cases

Correct answer: The section within the Secretary of State's office responsible for regulating notary public

In North Carolina notary law, "division" refers to the specific Notary Public Section within the Department of the Secretary of State. This specialized section is dedicated solely to the administration, oversight, and regulation of all notary public activities and commissions across the state. It handles applications, training, and enforcement related to notaries.

Question 28: Which of the following elements is NOT required to be included in a notarial certificate in North Carolina?

The legible appearance of the notary's name.
The address of the location where the notarization took place. (Correct answer)
The notary's official signature as it appears on their commission.
A clear and legible appearance of the notary's stamp or seal.

Correct answer: The address of the location where the notarization took place.

According to North Carolina General Statute § 10B-20(b), a notarial act must be attested by the notary's signature, the legible appearance of the notary's name, the notary's seal/stamp, and the commission expiration date. The physical address of the notarization is not a required element of the certificate itself, although the county is required.

Question 29: Before a NC notary may lawfully perform electronic notarizations, they must:

Obtain a separate attorney's license for electronic document work
Automatically use their paper commission authority for electronic acts
Register with and receive approval from the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
Wait until their paper commission is renewed before applying

Correct answer: Register with and receive approval from the Secretary of State

G.S. 10B-106 requires a notary to apply to and receive approval from the Secretary of State before performing any electronic notarizations.

Question 30: What is the standard term of a notary public commission in North Carolina?

Seven years
Four years
Five years (Correct answer)
Ten years

Correct answer: Five years

A North Carolina notary public commission is valid for a term of five years, unless it is revoked or resigned sooner.

Question 31: A notary's commission has expired, but they continue to perform notarizations. What is this considered under North Carolina law?

Acceptable if they have applied for renewal
Unauthorized practice that can result in criminal liability (Correct answer)
A minor administrative violation with no penalty
Permissible for 30 days after the expiration date

Correct answer: Unauthorized practice that can result in criminal liability

Performing notarizations after a commission has expired is unauthorized and can expose the individual to criminal charges under North Carolina law.

Question 32: Under NCGS Chapter 10B, which of the following correctly describes the 'two-step' identity verification process for NC notarizations?

The notary must verify identity with a government ID and then call a verification hotline
Two independent witnesses must vouch for the signer's identity
The signer must present two separate government IDs before every notarization
The notary may verify identity through either personal knowledge OR satisfactory documentary evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary may verify identity through either personal knowledge OR satisfactory documentary evidence

Under NCGS §10B-3, a notary may verify a signer's identity through one of two methods: (1) personal knowledge — the notary personally knows the signer, or (2) satisfactory evidence — a current government-issued photo ID. Both methods are acceptable alternatives, not requirements that must both be satisfied.

North Carolina Notary Public Exam

The NC Notary Public exam tests knowledge of North Carolina notarial laws, proper notarial acts, signer identification, and ethical responsibilities required to become a commissioned notary.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

70%

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