NC Notary Notarial Certificates 5

Question 1

A North Carolina notary completes a verification certificate for a signature on a deposition. Which certificate type is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Jurat

Answer

A jurat is used when the signer must swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true, which is the standard requirement for depositions and affidavits.

Question 2

In NC, if a principal signer is physically unable to sign a document, who may sign on their behalf during the notarization process?

Accepted Answer

Another person designated by the principal may sign in the principal's presence and at their direction

Answer

NC law permits another person to sign at the direction and in the presence of a principal who is physically unable to sign, and the notarial certificate should reflect this circumstance.

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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 4

Which of the following best describes the 'testimonium clause' sometimes found at the end of a North Carolina notarial certificate?

Accepted Answer

A closing phrase such as 'IN WITNESS WHEREOF' followed by the notary's signature and seal

Answer

The testimonium clause is the formal closing language of a certificate — typically 'In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal' — preceding the notary's signature block.

Question 5

A North Carolina notary is presented with a multi-page document with a notarial certificate on the last page. The signer asks if each page needs to be initialed. What is the correct guidance?

Accepted Answer

Initialing each page is not required by NC law but is a best practice to deter page substitution

Answer

NC law does not mandate initialing every page, but it is widely recommended as a best practice to prevent fraudulent page substitutions after notarization.

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary Notarial Certificates 5