North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a notary during their commission?

1. Maintaining confidentiality

2. Keeping current on laws and practices

3. Undergoing 6-8 hours of training

4. Providing legal advice

The correct answer is: Providing legal advice

A notary's primary responsibilities include maintaining confidentiality and keeping informed about relevant laws and practices. These obligations ensure that the notary performs their duties ethically and competently. Undergoing 6-8 hours of training is often a requirement for notaries to understand their roles and responsibilities. This training equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to execute their duties properly. However, providing legal advice is not a responsibility of a notary. Notaries are not licensed to practice law and must refrain from offering legal guidance. Their role is strictly to verify the identity of the signers, administer oaths, and witness signatures, among other administrative tasks. This distinction is crucial, as stepping outside these boundaries could lead to both legal repercussions for the notary and potential harm to the parties involved in the transaction.