Learn how Appalachian Notary’s Frequently Asked Questions can help you utilize hassle-free notary services in North Carolina effectively. If you have any questions please contact us by calling 828-458-2109 or email us at info@appalachiannotary.com
Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure proper execution. It is the responsibility of the notary public to ensure that the signers have appeared before them and have produced proper identification. The Notary Public officiates at the signing and insures that the documents are signed correctly. The notary makes sure that the signers are entering into agreements knowingly and willingly.
There are some variables which affect a notarzation cost, such as the number of signatures ($10.00 Per signature), etc. Please contact me for more information.
Before you schedule an appointment, always ask for a clear breakdown of the costs. This should include the notarial fee, which is set by the state, as well as any travel or convenience fees. We are upfront about our pricing, so you won’t encounter any surprises.
When you’re ready for your document to be notarized, here’s what to expect:
Be present: You’ll need to meet the notary in person.
Bring your ID: Have a valid, government-issued photo ID ready. Common examples include a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
Verification: The notary will inspect your ID to confirm it’s not expired and that the name on it matches the name on your document.
A document can only be signed in the presence of a notary. So please DO NOT sign your documents until the notary is present. Otherwise, it cannot be notarized.
No. In North Carolina, a mobile notary is not allowed to give legal advice or assist in the preparation of legal documents. Their role is to witness and verify your identity, not to offer legal guidance. If a notary provides legal advice, it is a violation of their duties.
The buyer does not need to be present when notarizing the title, but the buyer's name needs to be included at the top of the title, and this commits the buyer to sign the title upon receiving it.
Without a buyer, the title would be left open, and the seller can jump the title, which is illegal in all states.
Title jumping is the act of buying a vehicle and selling it without registering it in your name. The title “jumps” from one owner to the next, without any record. Title jumping is also known as a jumped title or floated title.
The bottom line is that it is illegal to sell a car that is titled in someone else’s name.
Lease agreements are essential for protecting the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. At Appalachian Notary, we’re often asked whether leases need to be notarized — and the answer depends on a few key factors. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or leasing out a property, it’s important to understand the legal requirements behind leases, including if and when a notary is necessary.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about notarized leases, their legal enforceability and whether a notary must be involved.
A notarized lease agreement is a rental contract that has been signed in front of a notary public. The notary’s role is to verify the identity of the signing parties, witness the signing and affix a seal that certifies the document’s authenticity. This process helps deter fraud and can offer additional legal protections in the event of disputes.
However, notarization does not change the terms of the lease; it simply confirms that all parties signed the document willingly and with verified identities.
Does a Lease Have To Be Notarized?
In most cases, residential lease agreements do not need to be notarized to be legally valid. A lease is considered binding as long as it meets the basic legal requirements: offer, acceptance, consideration (typically rent), and mutual intent to create a landlord-tenant relationship.
Still, some states may require notarization under certain conditions, usually based on the length of the lease or if the lease is being recorded with the county.
Here’s a look at the requirements in several key states:
Notarization NOT required for residental leases:
Notarization required if the lease will be officially recorded:
Notarization required based on length of lease:
Notarization required as part of another legal process:
Yes. In nearly all cases, a written lease signed by both parties is a legally enforceable contract, even if it is not notarized. Courts will uphold these agreements as long as they meet the standard criteria of a valid contract. However, in states that require notarization based on term length, a non-notarized lease may only be enforceable as month-to-month.
To be enforceable, a lease should include:
Here’s the direct answer: No, a notary does not need to be present for a lease to be valid in most states and under most circumstances. However, if a lease must be notarized due to state law or duration (for example, longer than 1 or 3 years in certain states), then a notary’s presence is required at the time of signing.
This typically means both parties must either appear in person before the notary. If a document presented for notarization does not include a notarial certificate, the notary will determine the appropriate format or ask the presenter to clarify which notarial act is needed.
Is a Lease Still Valid If It’s Not Signed?
No. If a lease is not signed by either the landlord or tenant, it is generally not enforceable. The signatures indicate mutual consent. However, if one party accepts the lease terms through action — for example, the tenant pays rent and moves in — the lease may be upheld as a month-to-month agreement under what’s called an “implied contract.”
Generally, a lease needs to be signed by both parties. If only the tenant signs and begins paying rent, it may still be valid, depending on how the landlord behaves. If the landlord accepts rent and allows occupancy, the court may consider the lease binding based on implied consent.
Once a lease expires, it typically rolls into a month-to-month rental unless otherwise stated. The original terms often still apply, but either party may end the agreement with proper notice (usually 30 days).
Here are state-specific examples of legally acceptable reasons for early lease termination:
Even if not required, notarizing a lease may provide peace of mind, especially for long-term agreements or high-value rentals. It creates a verified paper trail, confirms the parties’ identities, and can help resolve future disputes.
That said, notarizing a lease can complicate amendments. Any changes would need to be re-notarized, which can be time-consuming.
If you’re unsure whether to notarize your lease, contact the experts at Appalachian Mobile Notary. Understanding your state’s requirements ensures you’re protected, whether you’re handing over the keys or receiving them.
Need notary services in North Carolina but don’t want to travel? Book with Appalachian Notary Service today to benefit from no-hassle, no-travel notarization on your schedule.
