North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

Can notarization take place if a signer is not present before the notary?

1. Yes

2. No

The correct answer is: No

Notarization requires the physical presence of the signer before the notary at the time of signing the document. This is fundamental to the integrity of the notarization process. The notary’s role includes verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring they are willingly signing the document without coercion, and understanding the nature of the transaction. Without the signer present, the notary cannot perform these duties effectively. This requirement helps prevent fraud and ensures that the document is executed properly. If a signer is not present, the notary cannot authenticate or verify the signature, which would invalidate the notarization. Therefore, the correct answer affirms that notarization cannot take place unless the signer is physically in front of the notary at the time of the signing.