NC S594

Paper instruments presented for registration must have blank margins of at least one-half inch on remaining sides (increased from one-quarter inch) and be 8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14".

Electronically submitted maps and instruments are exempt from requirements to display return address and owner mailing address on their face, and registers of deeds may voluntarily return electronically submitted documents per an authorization agreement.

Registers of deeds and clerks of superior court may refuse to record or file materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent liens or encumbrances and must record a Notice of Denied Lien or Encumbrance Filing with no fee; interested parties may petition the court within 10 business days for an order to record the document and must pay filing fees if the court approves recording.

Filing a false lien or encumbrance against real or personal property of public officers, public employees, their immediate family members, or any owner or beneficial interest holder is a Class I felony and constitutes a violation of consumer protection law.

Suggested forms for assumed business name certificates and amendments are provided; the forms are optional but sufficient to comply with requirements if substantially followed.