Key Takeaways
- Verification or proof uses a subscribing witness
- Used when the principal cannot appear before the notary
- The subscribing witness must have personally witnessed the principal sign
- Subscribing witness must appear and be identified
- Less common than acknowledgments but important to understand
Last updated: January 2026
Verifications and Proofs
A verification or proof is a notarial act that allows a document to be notarized when the principal (original signer) cannot appear before the notary.
Definition
Under G.S. 10B-3, a "verification or proof" is a notarial act in which a notary certifies:
- A subscribing witness appeared in person before the notary
- The subscribing witness was identified by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence
- The subscribing witness took an oath or affirmation regarding the principal's signature
Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Principal | The person who signed the document |
| Subscribing Witness | A person who watched the principal sign the document |
| Verification/Proof | The notarial act certifying the subscribing witness's testimony |
How Verification/Proof Works
Step 1: Principal Signs
- Principal signs the document
- Subscribing witness watches the principal sign
- Principal cannot later appear before a notary
Step 2: Subscribing Witness Appears
- Subscribing witness appears before the notary
- Notary identifies the subscribing witness
- Notary administers oath/affirmation to subscribing witness
Step 3: Subscribing Witness Testifies
The subscribing witness swears or affirms:
- They personally witnessed the principal sign the document
- They know the identity of the principal
- They can identify the principal's signature
Requirements for Subscribing Witness
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Personal Witness | Must have actually seen principal sign |
| Identity Verification | Must be identified by notary |
| Oath/Affirmation | Must swear/affirm to the facts |
| Disinterested | Should not benefit from the document |
| Personal Appearance | Must appear before notary |
Standard Certificate for Verification/Proof
State of North Carolina
County of ________________
I, ________________, a Notary Public of the aforesaid County and State,
certify that ________________ personally appeared before me this day
and being duly sworn, stated that he/she witnessed ________________
sign the foregoing instrument.
Witness my hand and official seal this ____ day of ____________, 20___.
________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ____________
When Verification/Proof is Used
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Principal is deceased | Witness can verify signature after death |
| Principal is incapacitated | Unable to appear due to illness |
| Principal is unavailable | Cannot be located or is abroad |
| Historical documents | Verifying old signatures |
Comparison: Acknowledgment vs. Verification/Proof
| Aspect | Acknowledgment | Verification/Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Who Appears | Principal (signer) | Subscribing witness |
| Who Signs Before Notary | Principal (or acknowledges signature) | Witness takes oath |
| Common Use | Most documents | When principal unavailable |
| Frequency | Very common | Less common |
Key Points for the Exam
- Subscribing witness: Must have watched principal sign
- Principal absent: Verification used when principal cannot appear
- Witness oath: Subscribing witness must be sworn
- Witness identification: Notary must identify the witness
- Less common: But still important to understand
Test Your Knowledge
Who must appear before the notary for a verification or proof?
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B
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Test Your Knowledge
What must a subscribing witness do when appearing for a verification or proof?
A
B
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D