In which circumstance is it permissible for a notary to act without a signer present?

The information relevant to this question emphasizes the principle that a notary public must always perform their duties in the presence of the signer. This fundamental requirement ensures the integrity of the notarization process, as it is designed to confirm the identity of the individual signing the document and to ensure that they are doing so willingly and without coercion.

Notaries are tasked with verifying that the signer is indeed who they claim to be and that they understand the contents of the document they are signing. Being physically present with the signer at the time of notarization serves to uphold the validity of the transaction and protects against potential fraud.

In North Carolina, notaries do not have the authority to perform notarizations without the signer present under any circumstances, including mailing a document, during emergencies, or in the presence of a witness. Therefore, the requirement that the notary and the signer be in the same location during the signing process is an unwavering rule central to the practice of notarization.