North Carolina Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Under NC law, a notary is prohibited from notarizing a document when:

The document involves real estate valued over $500,000
The notary's own signature appears on the document as a party (Correct answer)
The signer is under 21 years old
The document contains more than one signature line

Correct answer: The notary's own signature appears on the document as a party

A notary cannot notarize a document to which they are a signatory, as that would create a disqualifying financial or personal interest.

Question 2: Which of the following is a key difference between an electronic notarization (EN) and a remote online notarization (RON) in North Carolina?

RON uses paper documents with electronic seals; EN uses fully digital documents
EN is only available to attorneys; RON is available to all notaries
RON allows the signer to be physically absent from the notary; EN requires physical presence (Correct answer)
EN requires audio-visual technology; RON does not

Correct answer: RON allows the signer to be physically absent from the notary; EN requires physical presence

RON permits the signer to appear remotely via audio-visual technology, while a standard electronic notarization still requires the principal to be physically present with the notary.

Question 3: A notary realizes after completing a notarization that the signer's ID had expired by two months. What is the primary concern?

The notary may have failed to properly verify the signer's identity (Correct answer)
The signer must appear again to resign the document
No concern; expired IDs are acceptable if the photo still matches
The notary should issue a corrected certificate immediately

Correct answer: The notary may have failed to properly verify the signer's identity

Acceptable identification for North Carolina notarizations must be current; using an expired ID may mean the notary failed to meet the identity verification requirement.

Question 4: A notary is asked to perform an acknowledgment. The notarial certificate provided by the document creator is missing the principal signer's name and the date of the notarization. How should the notary proceed?

Attach a new, completed loose-leaf certificate to the document.
Return the document to the signer and instruct them to have the creator add the information.
Notarize the document but leave the spaces blank for the signer to fill in later.
Handwrite the missing information into the existing certificate and then complete the notarization. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Handwrite the missing information into the existing certificate and then complete the notarization.

A notary is responsible for ensuring the notarial certificate is complete and accurate at the time of the notarization. If required information like the signer's name or the date is missing from the certificate, the notary must fill in those blanks before signing and sealing. Leaving the certificate incomplete or attaching a new one when the existing one is usable but incomplete are incorrect procedures.

Question 5: 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?

Certify the copy, since deeds are private contracts between parties
Certify the copy after obtaining written permission from the county recorder
Certify the copy only if the client also provides the original unrecorded deed
Decline, because recorded deeds are public records that must be certified by the official custodian (Correct answer)

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

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 6: Under NCGS §10B-60, which of the following is a prohibited act for a NC notary?

Charging $8 per notarial act when the maximum is $10
Notarizing a document in which the notary is named as the sole beneficiary (Correct answer)
Maintaining a notary journal voluntarily
Asking the signer to produce their ID

Correct answer: Notarizing a document in which the notary is named as the sole beneficiary

Under NCGS §10B-20 and §10B-60, a notary is prohibited from notarizing any document in which they have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Being named the sole beneficiary creates a clear disqualifying financial interest.

Question 7: A principal signs a power of attorney and wants a North Carolina notary to notarize it, but the principal is the notary's employer. What applies?

The notary may proceed because employment is not a disqualifying relationship
The notary may proceed only if no financial benefit is received from the document (Correct answer)
The notary may proceed only with a second notary as a witness
The notary must refuse because notarizing for an employer is prohibited

Correct answer: The notary may proceed only if no financial benefit is received from the document

NC law prohibits notarizing when the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction, but employment alone is not disqualifying unless the notary benefits from the document itself.

Question 8: A signer presents a foreign passport as identification for a NC notarization. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, the notary should:

Accept the passport only if accompanied by a US visa
Refuse to accept foreign passports — only US-issued IDs are acceptable
Require the signer to obtain a US government-issued ID first
Accept the foreign passport if it is current and contains a photo, name, and identifying information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Accept the foreign passport if it is current and contains a photo, name, and identifying information

Under NCGS §10B-3(22), a current foreign government passport that contains a photographic image of the bearer's face and identifying information meets the definition of satisfactory evidence of identity. Foreign passports are not excluded.

Question 9: Under NC law, unauthorized practice of law by a NC notary most commonly occurs when the notary:

Uses an approved notarial certificate form
Refuses to explain the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat
Charges a fee for explaining general notary procedures
Tells a signer what type of notarization is needed for a specific document without legal training (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tells a signer what type of notarization is needed for a specific document without legal training

A NC notary who advises a signer about which type of legal document they should use or which notarization a particular document legally requires is potentially engaging in the unauthorized practice of law — a serious violation.

Question 10: Under NCGS Chapter 10B, which of the following constitutes a statutory ground for revocation or suspension of a North Carolina notary commission?

Performing more than 50 notarial acts in a single calendar month
Charging the maximum allowable $10 fee per notarial act
Conviction of a felony after the commission is granted (Correct answer)
Notarizing documents outside of normal business hours

Correct answer: Conviction of a felony after the commission is granted

NCGS 10B-60 authorizes the Secretary of State to revoke or suspend a commission upon conviction of a felony, among other grounds. Volume of acts, time of day, and lawful fees are not grounds for discipline.

Question 11: When a NC notary changes their name (e.g., due to marriage), they must:

Continue using the old commission name since the commission is still valid
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

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 12: An NC notary is asked to notarize a document for a signer whose ID photo looks like the signer but whose listed birth date would make the person 120 years old. What should the notary do?

Notarize and note the discrepancy in the journal only
Proceed if the photo matches, since birth dates are not the notary's concern
Accept the ID because the notary is not a fraud investigator
Refuse to notarize due to a reasonable doubt about the ID's authenticity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize due to a reasonable doubt about the ID's authenticity

A notary must be satisfied that the identification is authentic; a clearly impossible birth date creates reasonable doubt that the ID is genuine, warranting refusal.

Question 13: 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 internet protocol (IP) address of the remotely located principal.
A statement that the notarization is a remote electronic notarization. (Correct answer)
The make and model of the computer used by the notary.

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

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

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 15: Which element is NOT required to appear in a North Carolina notary's official seal?

The notary's name
The county of commissioning
The notary's commission expiration date (Correct answer)
The words 'North Carolina'

Correct answer: The notary's commission expiration date

The official seal must include the notary's name, county, and 'North Carolina' but does not need to show the commission expiration date.

Question 16: A signer presents a valid U.S. military dependent ID card. Should an NC notary accept this for identification?

Yes, if it contains a photo and is issued by the U.S. Department of Defense (Correct answer)
No, only IDs belonging to the signer personally are acceptable
No, dependent IDs are not government-issued documents
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 17: Which of the following notarial acts is a notary public in North Carolina NOT authorized to perform?

Administering an oath
Witnessing a signature
Certifying a copy of a vital record (Correct answer)
Taking an acknowledgment

Correct answer: Certifying a copy of a vital record

Notaries cannot certify copies of vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates — only the issuing government agency may do so.

Question 18: A NC notary who moves their residence to a new county must file a new oath and bond in the new county within:

90 days of the move
45 days of the move
30 days of the move (Correct answer)
60 days of the move

Correct answer: 30 days of the move

Under NCGS §10B-14, a notary who changes their county of residence must notify the NC SOS and file a new oath and bond in the new county within 30 days of the change of residence.

Question 19: Under NC law, a notary who is commissioned in NC but moves to another state:

May transfer their commission to the new state
Automatically loses their NC commission upon establishing residence in another state (Correct answer)
May continue using their NC commission for up to 1 year
Must apply for a dual commission in both states

Correct answer: Automatically loses their NC commission upon establishing residence in another state

Under NCGS §10B-20, a NC notary commission requires the notary to maintain NC residency or regular employment in NC. Moving one's residence to another state without maintaining NC employment results in automatic loss of the NC commission.

Question 20: A NC notary knows from a prior acquaintance that a person appearing before them is who they claim to be, even though the signer does not have any ID. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, the notary may:

Not proceed — government ID is always required regardless of personal knowledge
Proceed only if the signer is a family member
Proceed based on personal knowledge of the signer's identity (Correct answer)
Proceed only after calling the NC SOS to obtain verbal authorization

Correct answer: Proceed based on personal knowledge of the signer's identity

Under NCGS §10B-3, personal knowledge of the signer's identity is one of the two acceptable methods of identity verification for NC notarizations. If the notary genuinely knows the person, no documentary ID is required.

Question 21: What is the consequence in North Carolina if a notarial certificate is attached to the wrong document after the notary has signed and sealed it?

The notarization is potentially fraudulent and void; the notary may face civil and criminal liability (Correct answer)
The certificate remains valid because the notary's seal is affixed
The error can be cured by the register of deeds upon recording
The document is still legally binding as long as the signer consents

Correct answer: The notarization is potentially fraudulent and void; the notary may face civil and criminal liability

Attaching a signed certificate to a different document than was notarized constitutes a fraudulent notarization, exposing the notary to civil liability and potential criminal charges.

Question 22: Under NC law, what must a notary do if a credible identifying witness vouches for a signer who lacks acceptable ID?

Require two credible witnesses whenever ID is unavailable
Administer an oath to the witness and verify the witness's own identity (Correct answer)
Require the witness to also sign the document being notarized
Accept the vouching witness's word without any further verification

Correct answer: Administer an oath to the witness and verify the witness's own identity

When a credible witness vouches for a signer, the notary must verify the witness's identity and administer an oath to the witness.

Question 23: What does a North Carolina copy certification certificate attest to?

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

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 24: Which of the following scenarios requires a notary in North Carolina to perform an oath or affirmation rather than an acknowledgment?

A financial power of attorney for banking transactions
A vehicle title transfer at the DMV
An affidavit submitted as sworn testimony in a legal proceeding (Correct answer)
A deed transferring real property between family members

Correct answer: An affidavit submitted as sworn testimony in a legal proceeding

An affidavit requires the signer to swear or affirm the truthfulness of statements, which is accomplished through an oath or affirmation (jurat), not an acknowledgment.

Question 25: A signer is identified by a credible witness who is personally known to the notary. The notary does NOT personally know the signer. Is this acceptable in North Carolina?

Yes, but only if two credible witnesses are used
Yes, one credible witness personally known to the notary is permitted (Correct answer)
No, NC does not allow credible witnesses for identification
Yes, but only for acknowledgments, not jurats

Correct answer: Yes, one credible witness personally known to the notary is permitted

NC law permits a single credible witness who is personally known to the notary and who personally knows the signer as a form of satisfactory evidence of identity.

Question 26: Who has the authority to issue a notary commission in North Carolina?

The Governor
The Secretary of State (Correct answer)
The County Register of Deeds
The Superior Court Judge

Correct answer: The Secretary of State

The NC Secretary of State issues notary commissions; the Register of Deeds administers the oath and forwards documentation.

Question 27: Which state office is responsible for commissioning notaries public in North Carolina?

The State Bar Association
The Secretary of State (Correct answer)
The Department of Justice
The Governor's Office

Correct answer: The Secretary of State

The North Carolina Secretary of State is the official responsible for commissioning notaries public in the state.

Question 28: Under North Carolina law, the maximum fee a notary may charge for a single paper-based notarial act is:

$25
$10 (Correct answer)
$15
$5

Correct answer: $10

G.S. 10B-31 sets the maximum fee for a paper notarial act at ten dollars per act.

Question 29: What is the required surety bond amount that a North Carolina notary applicant must obtain?

$5,000
$10,000 (Correct answer)
$15,000
$25,000

Correct answer: $10,000

North Carolina law requires notary applicants to obtain a $10,000 surety bond before their commission is issued.

Question 30: To become an electronic notary in North Carolina, a traditional notary must:

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

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 31: A notary's surety bond in North Carolina primarily protects whom?

Members of the public harmed by the notary's misconduct (Correct answer)
The notary from personal lawsuits
The Secretary of State's office
The employer of the notary

Correct answer: Members of the public harmed by the notary's misconduct

The surety bond is designed to compensate members of the public who suffer financial harm due to the notary's negligent or improper acts.

Question 32: A notary is asked to certify that a photocopy of a vital record (birth certificate) is a true copy. In North Carolina, what is correct?

The notary may certify it only if the original is a certified copy itself
Copy certifications for vital records require county recorder approval
The notary may issue a copy certification for any document
Notaries cannot certify copies of vital records issued by government agencies (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notaries cannot certify copies of vital records issued by government agencies

North Carolina notaries cannot certify copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) because those are government-issued documents with their own official copy process.

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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