NC Notary Commission Application and Renewal Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What happens if a newly commissioned NC notary fails to take the oath of office within 45 days of the commission being granted?
- The commission is automatically extended by 30 days
- The commission becomes void and the applicant must reapply (Correct answer)
- The notary is fined $100 but the commission remains valid
- The Secretary of State must approve an extension
Correct answer: The commission becomes void and the applicant must reapply
If a new NC notary does not take the oath of office within 45 days of commission approval, the commission becomes void and the person must submit a new application.
Question 2: An NC notary moves from Wake County to Mecklenburg County. What action is required regarding their existing commission?
- They must immediately surrender their commission and reapply
- They must notify the Secretary of State and re-register in the new county (Correct answer)
- No action is required until the commission expires
- They must retake the 6-hour education course
Correct answer: They must notify the Secretary of State and re-register in the new county
When an NC notary changes their county of residence, they must notify the Secretary of State and register their commission with the register of deeds in the new county.
Question 3: How long is a North Carolina notary public commission valid once issued?
- 2 years
- 10 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 3 years
Correct answer: 5 years
An NC notary public commission is valid for a term of 5 years from the date it is issued.
Question 4: Which state agency is responsible for receiving and processing NC notary commission applications?
- NC Department of Revenue
- NC Administrative Office of the Courts
- NC Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- NC Department of Justice
Correct answer: NC Secretary of State
The North Carolina Secretary of State's office receives, processes, and issues notary public commissions in the state.
Question 5: A first-time NC notary applicant must complete an approved education course. How many hours long is this required course?
- 3 hours
- 8 hours
- 12 hours
- 6 hours (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 6 hours
First-time NC notary applicants are required to complete an approved 6-hour notary education course before applying.
Question 6: An NC notary's commission expires in 4 months. When may they submit a renewal application?
- Only after the commission has expired
- No earlier than 10 days before expiration
- Up to 6 months before expiration (Correct answer)
- Up to 10 weeks before expiration
Correct answer: Up to 6 months before expiration
NC notaries may submit a renewal application up to 6 months before their current commission expires.
Question 7: A person who has been convicted of a felony applies for an NC notary commission. What is the likely outcome?
- The application is approved with a shorter commission term
- The application may be denied based on the felony conviction (Correct answer)
- The application is automatically approved after 10 years post-conviction
- Felony convictions do not affect notary eligibility in NC
Correct answer: The application may be denied based on the felony conviction
The NC Secretary of State may deny a notary application if the applicant has been convicted of a felony, as this is grounds for denial or revocation.
NC Notary Commission Application and Renewal Procedures 4
What happens if a newly commissioned NC notary fails to take the oath of office within 45 days of the commission being granted?