What may happen if a notary fails to include their notarial seal on a notarization?

If a notary fails to include their notarial seal on a notarization, the document may be considered invalid. In North Carolina, the notarial seal serves as an essential element of the notarization process, as it provides a mark of authenticity and authority from the notary. The absence of this seal can lead parties to question the validity and legitimacy of the notarized document.

In many cases, clients, courts, or other parties rely on the presence of the notary's seal to confirm that the notary properly performed their duties, verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that the proper procedures were followed. Without the seal, the notarization may not meet the legal requirements, leading to challenges regarding the document's enforceability or authenticity in legal matters.

This is particularly important in contexts such as real estate transactions, legal agreements, or affidavits, where notarization is often required to establish legitimacy. While the other options address potential consequences for the signer, the notary, or reliance on witnesses, they do not capture the primary impact of missing the seal: the invalidation of the document itself.