NC Notary Fees and Commission Changes 5

Question 1

A NC notary legally changes their name after marriage. Within how many days must they notify the Secretary of State of the name change?

Accepted Answer

45 days

Answer

NC General Statutes § 10B-51 requires a notary to notify the Secretary of State of a name change within 45 days of the change.

Question 2

After a notary's name change is officially recorded with the NC Secretary of State, what must the notary do with their existing notary seal?

Accepted Answer

Destroy or deface the old seal and obtain a new seal bearing the updated name

Answer

Once a new commission reflecting the new name is issued, the notary must stop using the old seal and obtain a new one with the correct name; the old seal must be destroyed or defaced.

Question 3

A NC notary's commission expires on August 15. The notary has a document to notarize on August 16 and has already submitted a renewal application. May they proceed?

Accepted Answer

No, the notary must wait until the new commission is officially issued before performing any acts

Answer

A notary may not perform notarial acts after their commission expires, even if a renewal is pending; authority only resumes when the new commission is officially granted.

Question 4

A NC notary moves from Wake County to Mecklenburg County. What effect does this county change have on their notarial authority?

Accepted Answer

Their commission remains valid statewide; they must update their address with the Secretary of State within 45 days

Answer

A NC notary commission is valid statewide, not county-specific; moving counties does not affect authority, but the notary must update their address with the Secretary of State within 45 days.

Question 5

How long is the standard term of a North Carolina notary public commission?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

Under NC General Statutes § 10B-11, a notary commission is issued for a term of five years.

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary Fees and Commission Changes 5