§ 66-274. Limitations on authentication. - North Carolina Statutes

§66‑274.  Limitations on authentication.

(a)        The Secretary shallnot issue a certificate of authentication for a document if the Secretary hascause to believe that the certificate is desired for an unlawful or improperpurpose. The Secretary may examine not only the document for which acertificate is requested, but also any documents to which the previous seals orother certifications may have been affixed by other authorities. The Secretarymay request any additional information that may be necessary to establish thatthe requested certificate will serve the interests of justice and is notcontrary to public policy, including a certified or notarized Englishtranslation of document text in a foreign language.

(b)        The Secretary shallnot issue a certificate of authentication for any one or more of the following:

(1)        A seal or signaturethat cannot be authenticated by either the Secretary or another official.

(2)        A seal or signatureof a foreign official.

(3)        A facsimile,photostat, photographic, or other reproduction of a signature or seal.

(c)        The Secretary maynot include within the certificate of authentication any statement that is notwithin the Secretary's power or knowledge to authenticate. The Secretary maynot certify that a document has been executed or certified in accordance withthe law of any particular jurisdiction or that a document is a valid documentin a particular jurisdiction. (1998‑228, s. 14.)