Do notaries have to keep a journal?
Asked by: Miss Erna Hand DDS | Last update: December 12, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (71 votes)
Yes. Most states require or strongly recommend that Notaries own and maintain a journal or record book of the acts they perform.
Should a notary keep a journal?
In California, Notaries are required to keep their journals for as long as they remain Notaries. Once they stop being a Notary, they must turn their journals over to the county clerk in the county in which the Notary's current oath of office is on file.
Does a notary have to keep a log?
States That Require Notary Publics To Keep a Record Book:
California. Colorado. Delaware. District of Columbia.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Do Notaries keep a record?
California requires its Notaries to keep all completed journals as long as they maintain a current Notary commission. California Notaries whose commissions end without being renewed must turn in their journals within 30 days to the county clerk's office where their oath of office is on file.
How to Choose a Notary Journal
What happens if I don't turn in my notary journal?
Willful failure to deliver the notary journal and other notarial records to the county clerk within the appropriate time is a misdemeanor, and the notary public is personally liable for damages to any person injured by the non-delivery. (California Government Code section 8209(a).)
What states require notary journals?
- Arizona.
- California.
- Colorado.
- Hawaii.
- Louisiana.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Mississippi.
What makes a notary invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
What must be recorded in a notary journal?
- Notarial Act: ...
- Title of Document: ...
- Identity of Signer. ...
- Date and Time: ...
- Notary Fee: The “Fee” column cannot be left blank. ...
- Signature of Signer: Every signer must sign/mark the notary's journal. ...
- Thumbprint:
How long do I need to keep my notary journal?
If a notary public does not receive a new commission within 30 days after their old commission expires, they must deliver the notarial journal and other notarial records to the county clerk within the next 30 days. This applies even if the notary is in the process of reapplying for a new comission.
Who maintains notary public records?
If state notary laws require notaries public to maintain a notary record book for the execution of every notarial act, each notary public is responsible for maintaining his or her own notary record book. The notary record book is the exclusive property of the notary public.
How to void a notary journal entry?
You can void out the journal entry. By drawing a single line through the entry and write “VOID”. In addition, we recommend adding a notation stating why the entry was voided.
Can I use white out in my Notary journal?
Using white-out is a great way to rectify clerical errors on various types of documents, but it should never be used when performing notarial services.
Can Notaries share a journal?
Also, you should never let unauthorized persons look randomly through your journal for information. California requires Notaries to only provide information in a journal entry to individuals who submit a written request that includes information about the notarizations in question.
Is a Notary supposed to read the document?
No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
How much does a notary make per signing?
Notary Fee Structure in California
In California, the maximum fee notaries can charge per signature is $15. However, notaries often earn additional income through: Travel fees for mobile notary services. Loan signing packages (ranging from $75 to $200+ per signing)
What type of notary makes the most money?
#1: Loan Signing Agent
One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent. Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.
Is notary a side hustle?
Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.
How often do notaries make mistakes?
Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.
Why would a notary be denied?
These may include: The signer is not physically present (unless the Notary is performing a remote online notarization) The signer cannot be properly identified. The signer does not speak the same language as the Notary.
Can you notarize a signature without the person present?
To notarize a document, the signers must be present at the time of notarization. While you can notarize an acknowledgment document that has been previously signed in some cases, the signer must still be present at the time of notarization to confirm the validity of their signature.
Do notaries have to keep records?
California: Upon resignation or non-renewals, notaries are required to deliver notary journals within 30 days to the county clerk's office where their oaths are on file.
What color ink should a notary use in Texas?
What color ink can I use on my notary stamp? Permanent ink must be used when using a rubber stamp type notary stamp; black ink is strongly recommended.
Which of the following is not required for a notary journal entry?
Final answer: A notary's journal must include the date and time of notarization, the type of notarial act, and fees charged, but personal comments about the signer are not required. so the correct option is a) Date and time of notarization.