NC Notary Official Seal and Journal 2

Question 1

Under NCGS Chapter 10B, a NC notary's official seal must contain which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The notary's name, the words 'Notary Public,' the state 'North Carolina,' and the commission expiration date

Answer

Under NCGS §10B-36, the required elements of a NC notary's official seal are: the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public,' 'North Carolina,' and the commission expiration date. Personal information like home address or SSN is not included.

Question 2

Under NC law, what happens to a NC notary's official seal and journal when the commission expires?

Accepted Answer

The notary should disable or destroy the seal to prevent unauthorized use

Answer

When a NC notary's commission expires, the notary should disable or destroy the official seal to prevent its unauthorized use. Using a seal after commission expiration — or allowing others to use it — is improper.

Question 3

A NC notary's seal impression on a document is partially illegible. Under NCGS Chapter 10B, this:

Accepted Answer

Is a technical defect that may or may not void the notarization depending on whether substantial compliance is met

Answer

A partially illegible seal impression is a technical defect. Under the substantial compliance doctrine of NCGS §10B-68, if the defect is minor and the certificate otherwise clearly establishes the notarization, the document may still be valid.

Question 4

Under NC law, which type of notary is REQUIRED to maintain a journal of notarial acts?

Accepted Answer

Only electronic notaries are required to maintain a journal under NCGS Chapter 10B

Answer

Under NCGS §10B-130, electronic notaries are required to maintain an electronic journal. Traditional notaries are not required by statute to maintain a journal, though it is strongly recommended as best practice.

Question 5

A NC notary purchases a new seal after renewing their commission. The new seal shows an expiration date 6 months later than the actual commission expiration. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Return the seal for correction — the seal must match the actual commission expiration date

Answer

The official seal must accurately reflect the notary's actual commission expiration date. Using a seal with an incorrect date — even if the error is the seal vendor's mistake — could compromise the notarization and should be corrected immediately.

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary - North Carolina Notary Exam Practice Test

NC Notary Official Seal and Journal 2