North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

Is failing to verify a person's appearance a violation for notaries?

1. True

2. False

The correct answer is: True

Failing to verify a person's appearance is indeed considered a violation for notaries in North Carolina. A core responsibility of a notary public is to ensure that the individual signing a document is who they claim to be. This process typically involves confirming the identity of the signer, often through a government-issued photo identification or other reliable forms of identification. The purpose of this verification is to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the notarized documents. When a notary fails to verify the identity of the signer, they risk the authenticity of the notarial act. Such lapses can lead to legal repercussions, as notarization carries with it a certain level of trust and accountability. Properly identifying signers helps uphold the standards of the notarial profession and protects both the public and the legal systems. In light of these responsibilities, notaries must take identity verification seriously, as neglecting this crucial step constitutes a violation of their duties.