Which of the following is NOT an essential element of an unrecorded deed regarding its validity?

An unrecorded deed can still be considered valid without a notary acknowledgment being present. The essential elements for a deed to be valid include delivery and acceptance, execution by the grantor (often with witnesses), and the competency and capacity of the grantor to execute the deed.

Delivery and acceptance ensure that the grantor has transferred the property and that the grantee has accepted it, which is crucial for the validity of the deed. Execution with witnesses serves to authenticate the deed, reinforcing its legitimacy. The grantor must also be competent, meaning they have the legal ability to understand the nature of the transaction and are of sound mind.

While a notary acknowledgment can provide additional verification and is often preferred for recordkeeping or heightened legal security, it is not a strict requirement for the deed to be valid between the involved parties. Therefore, the absence of notary acknowledgment does not invalidate the deed, making it the correct choice in this context.