North Carolina § 47-53 - 1. Acknowledgment omitting seal of clerk or notary public.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 47-53 — 1. Acknowledgment omitting seal of clerk or notary public., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47-53. 1. Acknowledgment omitting seal of clerk or notary public.
If any person has taken an acknowledgment as either a notary public or a clerk of a superior court, deputy clerk of a superior court, or assistant clerk of a superior court and has failed to affix his or her seal and this acknowledgment has been otherwise duly probated and recorded, then this acknowledgment is sufficient and valid. This section applies only to those deeds and other instruments acknowledged prior to April 1, 2021. History (1951, c. 1151, s. 1A; 1953, c. 1307; 1963, c. 412; 1975, c. 878; 1983, c. 398, s. 4; 1985, c. 70, s. 4; 1987, c. 277, s. 4; 1989, c. 390, s. 4; 1991, c. 489, s. 4; 2004-199, s. 18; 2013-204, s. 1.23; 2021-91, s. 4(g).) Cross References. - As to absence of notarial seal, see also G.S. 47-102 and 47-103. Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2004-199, s. 18, effective August 17, 2004, rewrote the section. Session Laws 2013-204, s. 1.23, effective June 26, 2013, substituted "April 1, 2013" for "January 1, 1991" in the second sentence. Session Laws 2021-91, s. 4(g), effective October 1, 2021, substituted "If any” for "Where any,” deleted "hereby declared to be” preceding "sufficient and valid,” substituted "April 1, 2021” for "April 1, 2013,” and made a stylistic change.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 47-53
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 47-53 cover?
Section 47-53 ("1. Acknowledgment omitting seal of clerk or notary public.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 47-53?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 47-53" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 47-53 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.