NC NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NC NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, a notarial certificate completed in a language other than English is: → Generally not acceptable for NC notarial acts — the certificate should be in English
2. Which of the following actions by a North Carolina notary constitutes the unauthorized practice of law? → Advising a signer on the legal implications of the document they are signing.
3. A prospective notary public in North Carolina must meet several qualifications. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for an initial commission? → Satisfactorily complete a state-approved six-hour course.
4. Where does one typically take the oath of office as a notary public in North Carolina? → Register of Deeds office
5. A prospective NC notary applicant has a conviction for a misdemeanor involving dishonesty from 8 years ago. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, this applicant: → May be disqualified at the NC SOS's discretion based on the nature of the offense
6. A North Carolina notary may perform notarial acts for which of the following relationships without violating the conflict of interest rules? → A relative's document where the notary has no financial interest
7. Which of the following is considered 'satisfactory evidence' of a signer's identity for a notarization in North Carolina? → A current U.S. Passport.
8. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, when performing an oath for a deposition, the notary must ensure: → The deponent swears or affirms to tell the truth before giving testimony
9. Under NC law, which type of notary is REQUIRED to maintain a journal of notarial acts? → Only electronic notaries are required to maintain a journal under NCGS Chapter 10B
10. A North Carolina notary is asked to perform a notarization on a document written entirely in Spanish. Under NC law, the notary should: → Perform the notarial act if the signer understands the document
11. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, the NC SOS may take which disciplinary action against a notary who commits a violation? → Suspension, revocation of commission, or reprimand
12. What happens to a North Carolina notary commission if the notary is convicted of a felony after being commissioned? → The commission is immediately suspended or revoked
13. Under NC General Statutes Chapter 10B, which of the following is NOT a notarial act a North Carolina notary may perform? → Certifying a copy of a vital record
14. Which of the following is a key requirement for a North Carolina notary when identifying a principal signer? → The identification must be based on personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence.
15. Which statement best describes a North Carolina notary's obligation regarding a change of employer? → No notification to the Secretary of State is required for a change of employer
16. A NC notary is presented with a document in English for a signer who only speaks Mandarin. The notary should: → Proceed if an interpreter is present to assist the signer understand the document
17. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, a NC notary's commission is effective: → On the date specified on the commission certificate issued by the NC SOS
18. A notary applicant in North Carolina is disqualified if they have been convicted of which of the following? → A felony
19. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, a notary's official signature must be: → Their legal signature as used on the notary application
20. Under NC law, may a notary use a rubber stamp seal? → Yes — NC law permits either an inked rubber stamp or an embossed seal
21. What does "department" refer to in the context of the North Carolina Notary Public Office? → The agency responsible for regulating notaries in North Carolina
22. A NC notary wants to increase their fee from $10 to $15 per notarial act because of rising costs. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, the notary: → Cannot charge more than $10 per notarial act regardless of circumstances
23. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, when a NC notary resigns their commission, they must: → Notify the NC SOS in writing and surrender their commission certificate
24. Which notarial act would be appropriate for an affidavit of support? → Jurat
25. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, which of the following is true about a NC notary's duty to maintain impartiality? → A notary must be an impartial witness, free of personal interest in the transaction
26. A NC notary is asked to produce their notary journal as evidence in a civil lawsuit. The notary should: → Comply with a valid subpoena — the journal is an official record subject to legal process
27. Under NCGS §10B-5, a non-resident applicant may be commissioned as a NC notary if they: → Are regularly employed in North Carolina
28. A NC notary backdates a notarial certificate to make it appear a document was notarized before a filing deadline that has already passed. Under NC law, this is: → A Class I felony and grounds for immediate commission revocation
29. How long does a North Carolina Notary commission last? → 5 years
30. Under NC law, a notary who performs a notarization and then destroys the notarial record to hide evidence of misconduct could face which charge? → Obstruction of justice and potentially a felony for destruction of official records