(a) The register of deeds is authorized to take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations and to perform all other notarial acts necessary for the registration or issuance of certificates relating to births, deaths or marriages. The register of deeds shall be entitled to a fee as prescribed in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-10

(b) All acknowledgments taken, affirmations or oaths administered or other notarial acts performed by the register of deeds relating to the registration of certificates of births, deaths or marriages prior to June 16, 1959, are validated. (1945, c. 100; 1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1959, c. 986; 1969, c. 80, s. 9; c. 1031, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)