What is required for a notary to perform a notarial act?

For a notary to perform a notarial act, authorization by law and adherence to specific procedures are essential. This requirement ensures that the notary operates within the legal framework established by the state, which dictates how notarial acts should be conducted, including who can be served, what documents can be notarized, and the necessary steps to ensure the legitimacy and security of the notarial process.

In North Carolina, specific procedures must be followed, such as verifying the identity of the signer, establishing the signer’s willingness to sign the document, and documenting the notarial act properly in the notary’s journal. This legal and procedural framework is pivotal because it protects the integrity of the notarial act and helps prevent fraud.

The other choices do not encompass the complete requirements for performing a notarial act. The presence of signers alone does not guarantee that the act meets legal standards, and while witnesses may be necessary for certain documents, they are not a blanket requirement for all notarial acts. Consent from local officials is also not a standard requirement for a notarial act. Therefore, the emphasis on legal authorization and specific procedures underscores the importance of following established regulations to ensure valid and enforceable notarizations.