Acknowledgments

An acknowledgment is the most common type of notarial act. Under G.S. 10B-3(1), it certifies specific facts about the signing of a document.

Definition of Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which a notary certifies that at a single time and place ALL of the following occurred:

1. An individual appeared in person before the notary
2. The individual presented a record (document)
3. The individual was personally known or identified through satisfactory evidence
4. The individual did one of the following:
   • Indicated the signature on the record was their signature, OR
   • Signed the record in the notary's physical presence

Key Elements of an Acknowledgment

Two Ways to Complete an Acknowledgment

Option 1: Acknowledge Previous Signature

The signer may have already signed the document before appearing. The signer then:

• Appears before the notary
• Shows the signed document
• Indicates (verbally or by gesture) that the signature is theirs

Option 2: Sign in Notary's Presence

The signer may also:

• Appear before the notary with unsigned document
• Sign the document while the notary watches
• No verbal acknowledgment needed since notary witnessed signing

Standard Acknowledgment Certificate

State of North Carolina
County of ________________

I, ________________, a Notary Public of the aforesaid County and State,
certify that ________________ personally appeared before me this day and
acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument.

Witness my hand and official seal this ____ day of ____________, 20___.

________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ____________

Common Documents Requiring Acknowledgment

Key Points for the Exam

• Acknowledgment: Signer confirms their signature
• Two methods: Acknowledge previous signature OR sign before notary
• Personal appearance: Always required at time of notarization
• Identity: Must be verified before notarizing