Usually yes. In North Carolina, a personal-injury settlement release is a contract and does not require notarization unless a law or the release itself requires it. If the insurer agrees, a witnessed signature or electronic signature/verification is typically sufficient. Exceptions apply if a court must approve the settlement (for example, certain minor or wrongful death matters), in which case the court’s order controls the formalities.
You’re settling a North Carolina personal injury claim and the insurer’s release says notarization is waived in favor of a witness signature or electronic verification. You want to know whether you can sign that way, or if a notary is still required.
Under North Carolina law, settlement releases are contracts. For most adult personal-injury settlements, notarization is not required by statute. North Carolina recognizes electronic signatures for contracts when the parties agree to transact electronically, and an insurer can accept a witnessed signature or a properly executed e-signature. If a statute or a court approval process applies (such as certain wrongful death or minor settlements), follow the court’s requirements; those can include specific signing formalities. There is no routine court filing for a standard adult settlement, and no default deadline to notarize a release. When court approval is required, obtain it before funds are disbursed.
Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the release expressly waives notarization and allows a witness signature or electronic verification, and you and the insurer agreed on settlement terms, a witnessed or electronic signature should satisfy North Carolina’s contract rules. If the claim involves only an adult’s personal injury, no statute requires notarization. If the claim required court approval (for example, certain minor or wrongful death settlements), you would follow the court’s order and any specific signing instructions before funds are issued.
In North Carolina, most personal-injury releases do not require a notary. If the insurer agrees, a witnessed signature or an electronic signature is usually sufficient, so long as the signer has authority and the terms are clear. If court approval is required (such as in certain minor or wrongful death cases), follow the court’s order. Next step: confirm in writing with the insurer that a witnessed or electronic signature satisfies their requirements before you sign.
If you’re resolving a North Carolina injury claim and need to confirm the right way to sign your release, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today at (919) 341-7055.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.