North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

What is included in a notarial certificate?

1. The date of the notarization only

2. The notary's signature and seal

3. The contact information of the notary

4. The legal terminology of the notarization

The correct answer is: The notary's signature and seal

In a notarial certificate, it is essential to include the notary's signature and seal. This serves as a vital element because it provides authenticity and legal binding to the document being notarized. The presence of the notary's signature verifies that the notary has performed the duties required by law, and the seal indicates that the notary is authorized to conduct such transactions in their jurisdiction. This combination reassures parties relying on the document that the notarization process adhered to the legal standards set forth in North Carolina and confirms the integrity of the act. While elements such as the date of the notarization, contact information of the notary, and any legal terminology might be relevant in different contexts, they do not hold the same critical significance as the notary's signature and seal. The signature and seal are fundamental to fulfilling the notarial function and ensuring that the notarization has been carried out properly.