Before Your North Carolina Notarization

01 Confirm the Appointment Method

Traditional paper, in-person electronic, remote electronic, and emergency-video notarizations are different pathways. Confirm the method, document eligibility, signer and notary locations, required technology, original-paper delivery, and witness arrangements before the appointment.

02 Bring Identification the Notary Can Evaluate

North Carolina satisfactory evidence may include a current federal, state, or recognized tribal government document bearing the person's photograph and either a signature or physical description. Identity may also be established through the notary's sufficient personal knowledge or one qualifying credible witness who is personally known to the notary.

• Bring the original current identification.
• Check that the photograph and name can be reconciled with the document.
• Discuss any credible-witness arrangement in advance.
• Do not assume acceptance before the notary examines the credential and circumstances.

03 Bring the Right Document in Ready Condition

Bring the complete document, all pages and attachments, supplied certificate wording, delivery instructions, and any required witnesses. The notary may identify an administrative gap but cannot draft, complete, select, or explain a record or transaction requiring a notarial act.

04 Confirm the Required Notarial Act

Acknowledgment

The identified individual appears and either indicates that the signature is the individual's signature or signs while the notary observes.

Oath or affirmation

The identified individual makes a vow of truthfulness on penalty of perjury. An oath invokes a deity; an affirmation is legally equivalent and does not. A jurat is the certificate evidencing the oath or affirmation.

Verification or proof

A qualifying witness gives sworn or affirmed testimony about a signature. It is a distinct act and is not available for every method or document.

05 Be Ready to Participate Freely and Knowingly

The notary communicates directly with the signer and may pause if identity, awareness, willingness, or freedom from coercion cannot be established. A pause protects the process; it does not decide the document's legal validity.

06 Understand Fees and Travel Arrangements

As confirmed on August 12, 2026, North Carolina's maximum fees include $10 per paper principal signature for acknowledgments, jurats, verifications, or proofs; $10 per person for an oral oath or affirmation without a signature; $15 for specified electronic acts; and $25 per remotely notarized principal signature. Actual mileage may be charged at the federal business mileage rate when agreed in writing before travel. Recheck current law before the appointment.

07 When a Notarization Must Pause or Stop

• The required appearance is not satisfied.
• Identity cannot be established.
• The signer appears unable to understand, unwilling, coerced, or under undue influence.
• The notary has a disqualifying interest.
• The certificate or requested conduct is false, unauthorized, or incomplete for the identified act.
• The requester asks the notary to select the act, explain legal effect, complete substantive content, or give legal advice.
• A separate electronic, remote, video, witness, platform, location, recording, journal, or document rule is not satisfied.

08 Working With ORC

ORC provides notarial services through a commissioned North Carolina notary public.

ORC may

• Confirm logistics and disclosed fees.
• Provide a general readiness checklist.
• Review for administrative readiness without evaluating legal sufficiency.
• Perform the identified authorized act when every requirement is satisfied.