Key Takeaways
- North Carolina notaries perform acknowledgments, oaths, and verifications
- Personal appearance is required
- Proper identification must be obtained
- Maximum fee is set by law
- Electronic notarization is available
Last updated: January 2026
Notarial Acts and Prohibited Acts
Authorized Acts
| Act | Description |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgments | Confirm signature is genuine |
| Oaths/Affirmations | Administer sworn statements |
| Verifications (Jurats) | Sworn written statements |
| Signature witnessing | Observe signing |
Prohibited Acts
| Prohibited | Reason |
|---|---|
| Self-notarization | Conflict of interest |
| Financial interest | Bias |
| Legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
| Incomplete documents | Fraud prevention |
Identification Requirements
| Acceptable ID | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Driver's license | Current, photo |
| Passport | Current |
| Government ID | Current, photo |
| Personal knowledge | You know the signer |
Fees
North Carolina sets maximum notary fees by law. Check current fee schedule.
On the Exam
- Personal appearance: Required
- Prohibited acts: Self-notarization, legal advice
- Identification: Government-issued photo ID or personal knowledge
Test Your Knowledge
Can a North Carolina notary provide legal advice about a document?
A
B
C
D