North Carolina Notary Public Exam — All Questions

How does a North Carolina notary establish a principal's identity?

• a.By the principal's spoken name
• b.By personal knowledge or a current government photo ID with signature (or a credible witness)✓
• c.By a utility bill
• d.By a mailed ID copy

Identity is established by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence—a current government-issued ID bearing a photograph and signature, or the oath of a credible witness. The principal must personally appear before the North Carolina notary at the time of the act.

Under North Carolina law, a notary must refuse to notarize when:

• a.The principal is elderly
• b.The document is long
• c.The notary is not satisfied as to identity, competence, or willingness, or the principal did not appear✓
• d.The fee is only $5

North Carolina lists grounds for refusal: doubt about the principal's identity, competence, or willingness; the principal did not personally appear; or the notary suspects fraud. The notary must refuse in these situations, but may not refuse solely on discriminatory grounds.

A North Carolina principal did not appear, but a relative brought the signed document. The notary should:

• a.Refuse—personal appearance is required✓
• b.Notarize because a relative vouches
• c.Notarize for a reduced fee
• d.Notarize only an acknowledgment

Personal appearance by the principal at the time of the act is mandatory. A North Carolina notary may not notarize a signature for someone who did not appear, regardless of a relative's assurance. Notarizing without appearance is prohibited and can be a crime.