Notary Public Guidebook Third Edition

INTRODUCTION - This handbook is intended as a general guide and is designed to assist non-attorney notaries with the general requirements, duties, powers, limitations, liabilities, and legal significance of their actions as a notary public. Legal counsel should be consulted whenever specific problems or questions arise concerning any aspect of the office of notary public. THE NOTARY?S FUNCTION - A notary public is a public official whose powers and duties are defined by statute. A notary acts as an official, unbiased witness to the identity and signature of the person who comes before the notary for a specific purpose. The person may be taking an oath, giving oral or written testimony, or signing or acknowledging his or her signature on a legal document. In each case, the notary attests that certain formalities have been observed. The key function is to be certain that the person appearing before the notary is who that person claims to be.

The office of notary public has a long and proud history in our society. Their work is rarely glamorous, but it is so important that the highest courts in the nation routinely accept properly notarized documents as evidence in legal matters. In fact, the law governing notaries gives them the same mission as sworn law enforcement officers, "to serve and protect."

Notaries Public have duties and responsibilities that confer upon them the trust and faith of the public. Notaries Public are authorized to perform certain official duties that are critical to those who need them. Because the work of Notaries Public is so important, please make sure you take the time to review this guide carefully. It is critical for you to understand the obligations of being a Notary Public and for you to perform those duties in a manner that merits the trust, confidence and respect appropriate to the office.

Examines the authority and responsibilities of North Carolina notaries public.