Question 1

Can you notarize a document if the signer is not physically present?

Accepted Answer

No. For a traditional notarization, North Carolina law requires the signer to be physically present before the notary at the time of the notarization.

Question 2

What forms of identification are acceptable for notarization?

Accepted Answer

North Carolina law requires an approved, unexpired government-issued photo ID before a notarization can be performed. Acceptable forms of identification must meet North Carolina legal requirements for establishing identity. If you are unsure whether your identification is acceptable, please contact me before scheduling an appointment.

Question 3

Can you look over my document and tell me which notarial certificate I need?

Accepted Answer

No.  North Carolina law prohibits a notary public from providing legal advice.  Determining whether a document requires an acknowledgement, jurat, or other notarial act is considered legal advice.  Please contact the document preparer, an attorney, or the receiving agency to determin the correct notarial certificate before your appointment.

Question 4

Can you notarize a document that is already signed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of notarization indicated on the document. For an acknowledgment, a document may be signed before the appointment, but the signer must still personally appear before the notary and acknowledge that the signature is theirs. For a jurat or oath/affirmation, the document must be signed in the presence of the notary after the required oath or affirmation is administered.

Question 5

Can you certify a copy of a birth certificate, marriage license, or court document?

Accepted Answer

No. In North Carolina, a notary public cannot certify copies of public records or vital statistics. Documents like birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and deeds are held by government custodians (such as the County Register of Deeds or Vital Records Office). If you need a certified copy of one of these documents, you must request it directly from the official government office that holds the original record.

Question 6

What happens if a document has a blank space or missing information?

Accepted Answer

A North Carolina notary cannot notarize a document that is incomplete. Any blank spaces or missing information must be completed or appropriately marked by the signer or document preparer before the notarization can take place. This helps protect the integrity of the document and prevents information from being added after it has been notarized.

Question 7

Can you notarize a document written in a foreign language?

Accepted Answer

Yes. North Carolina law allows the notarization of documents written in a foreign language if the notarial certificate is in English and the notary can communicate directly with the signer in English or another mutually understood language. Interpreters may not be used to communicate with the signer during the notarial act.

Question 8

Can you provide witnesses if my document requires them?

Accepted Answer

No. Signers are responsible for providing any witnesses required for their documents. Witnesses must meet the legal requirements for the specific document being signed and must be present at the appointment.

Question 9

Can you provide notary services at nursing homes, rehab facilities, or hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I provide mobile notary services at nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living communities, and hospitals throughout the Charlotte and Lake Norman area. Appointments are required. Limited evening and after-hours appointments may be available by request and are subject to availability. Please contact me in advance to discuss scheduling.

Question 10

What types of documents can you notarize?

Accepted Answer

I can notarize many types of documents, including power of attorneys, affidavits, healthcare directives, vehicle title transfers, school forms, contracts, and other documents that require notarization. If you’re unsure whether your document can be notarized, please contact me before scheduling your appointment.

Frequently asked questions