In North Carolina, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to perform notary acts before taking the oath of office. This penalty underscores the importance of adhering to legal procedures and formalities before exercising the authority to perform notarial acts. Individuals must complete all required steps, including taking the oath of office, to ensure compliance with state regulations and maintain the integrity of notarial services.
In the context of the North Carolina Notary Public Office, "department" refers to the agency responsible for regulating notaries, which is the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State. This department oversees the appointment, regulation, and conduct of notaries public in the state.
An applicant is an individual who seeks appointment or reappointment to the office of notary public. This definition is fundamental to understanding who is eligible to apply for or renew their notary commission.
"Appoint" or "appointment" refers to naming an individual to the office of notary public after it has been determined that the individual has complied with the requirements set forth in Chapter 10B. This process ensures that all notary applicants meet the legal standards before being commissioned.
"Commission" refers to the empowerment to perform notarial acts and the written evidence of authority to perform those acts. This means that a notary has been officially authorized and has the necessary documentation to perform their duties as a notary public.
In the context of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State Notary Public Section, "division" refers to the specific section responsible for regulating notaries public. This division oversees the appointment, regulation, and enforcement of laws governing notaries in North Carolina.
The "director" in the context of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State Notary Public Section refers to the division director who oversees the Notary Public Section. This individual is responsible for managing and implementing policies related to notaries public in North Carolina, including regulatory oversight and administration of notarial duties.
