ND HB1136

Creates new chapter 44-06.1 establishing comprehensive uniform notarial act standards for North Dakota, replacing outdated notary public regulations.

Defines notarial acts including acknowledgments, verifications on oath or affirmation, witnessing signatures, certifying copies, and protesting negotiable instruments for both tangible and electronic records.

Requires notary public applicants to be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, state resident or border county resident, English-literate, and submit $7,500 surety bond with $36 application fee; commissions issued for 6-year terms.

Establishes notary stamp requirements, permitted identification standards for signers, prohibited acts (practicing law, immigration consulting, false advertising), maximum $5 per notarial act fee, and grounds for denying or revoking commissions.

Repeals former chapter 44-06 and related sections (47-19-14.1 through 47-19-14.8); allows electronic notarial acts with secretary of state approval of technology standards (effective after July 31, 2013).