NC Notary Copy Certifications

Question 1

Under North Carolina law, which category of documents may a notary public certify as a true copy?

Accepted Answer

Tangible private documents that are not vital records or public records

Answer

NC notaries may certify copies of tangible (paper) private documents. They are expressly prohibited from certifying copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and public records — those must be certified by the official record custodian.

Question 2

A client presents a North Carolina notary with their original birth certificate and asks for a certified copy. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Decline, because NC notaries are prohibited from certifying copies of vital records

Answer

NC notaries are prohibited from certifying copies of vital records, including birth certificates. The client must obtain a certified copy directly from the NC Vital Records office or the relevant state agency — only the official custodian can certify those records.

Question 3

What must a North Carolina notary do before executing a copy certification certificate?

Accepted Answer

Physically compare the copy to the original to confirm it is accurate and complete

Answer

The notary must personally compare the copy to the original document to verify the copy is accurate, complete, and faithful to the original. Only after that comparison can the notary execute the copy certification certificate.

Question 4

A client wants a North Carolina notary to certify a copy of a deed that was recorded with the county register of deeds. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Decline, because recorded deeds are public records that must be certified by the official custodian

Answer

Once a deed is recorded, it becomes a public record maintained by the register of deeds. NC notaries cannot certify copies of public records — only the official custodian of the record (the register of deeds) can provide a certified copy.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a document a North Carolina notary IS permitted to certify as a true copy?

Accepted Answer

A personal contract between two private parties that was never filed with any government agency

Answer

A private contract between parties that has not been filed with any government agency qualifies as a tangible private document. NC notaries can certify copies of such documents because there is no government custodian with exclusive authority to issue certified copies.

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary Copy Certifications