North Carolina Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in North Carolina is a certificate completed by a NC-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. North Carolina law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
North Carolina notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. North Carolina notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all NC notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
5 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
North Carolina Acknowledgment Wording
North Carolina law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with North Carolina county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
North Carolina Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects North Carolina's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public of the County and State aforesaid, certify that _______________ personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
Witness my hand and official stamp or seal, this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public of the County and State aforesaid, certify that _______________ personally appeared before me this day, and being by me duly sworn, says that he/she is _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that by authority duly given and as the act of said entity, the foregoing instrument was signed in its name by said officer.
Witness my hand and official stamp or seal, this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public of the County and State aforesaid, certify that _______________ and _______________ each personally appeared before me this day and each acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
Witness my hand and official stamp or seal, this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
North Carolina Notary Requirements
North Carolina has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: North Carolina notary commissions are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for North Carolina notaries
- Exam: A written exam is required to become a notary in North Carolina
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in North Carolina
- Seal/Stamp: North Carolina notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in North Carolina
North Carolina does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in North Carolina must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by NC law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
North Carolina Notary Fees
North Carolina regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in North Carolina.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
North Carolina Identification Requirements
North Carolina notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in North Carolina.
Sample North Carolina Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our North Carolina-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact NC statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of North Carolina
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
North Carolina Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in North Carolina, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official North Carolina Resources
Use these official resources to verify North Carolina notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related North Carolina Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in North Carolina, or that require NC notarization.
North Carolina Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
North Carolina Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
North Carolina Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
North Carolina Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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