North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

What is required for personal appearance in notary practice?

1. Communication through video call

2. Physical proximity to exchange documents

3. Presence of additional witnesses

4. Proof of legal residency

The correct answer is: Physical proximity to exchange documents

In notary practice, personal appearance typically refers to the requirement that a signer must be physically present in front of the notary public during the signing of the document. This is crucial because the notary needs to verify the identity of the signer and ensure that they are willingly and voluntarily signing the document without any coercion. Physical proximity allows the notary to perform their duties effectively, such as confirming the signer's identity through government-issued identification and assessing their mental competence at the time of signing. This face-to-face interaction is fundamental to the integrity and authenticity of the notarization process. The other items listed do not satisfy the personal appearance requirement as effectively as physical proximity. For instance, communication through a video call may not provide the same level of security and verification that an in-person appearance does. The presence of additional witnesses might be necessary in certain contexts, but it does not negate the need for the signer to be present before the notary. Similarly, proof of legal residency is not a general requirement specifically tied to the concept of personal appearance; rather, the focus is on the identification and willingness of the signer during the notarization.