What is the role of the North Carolina Secretary of State regarding notaries?

The North Carolina Secretary of State plays a crucial role in the commissioning and oversight of notaries public within the state. This responsibility includes managing the application process for individuals who wish to become notaries, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications, and issuing their commissions. Additionally, the Secretary of State maintains official records related to notaries, including a database of commissioned notaries. This enables easy access to information regarding notaries' status and helps facilitate public trust in notarial acts.

The responsibilities of the Secretary of State do not include certifying notaries in the sense of resolving legal disputes between them or their clients, which better aligns with other legal entities or systems. The office does not provide direct training for new notaries—this is typically conducted by private organizations or associations that offer notary training courses. Furthermore, the Secretary of State does not have the authority to review and approve all notarized documents before they are considered valid, as this would undermine the independence of notaries and their role in witnessing and certifying documents on behalf of the public. Thus, the option highlighting the management of commissioning and record-keeping accurately reflects the primary functions associated with the North Carolina Secretary of State's office in relation to notaries.