Do notaries have to keep a log?
Asked by: Prof. Earnest Krajcik I | Last update: June 5, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (15 votes)
Yes. Most states require or strongly recommend that Notaries own and maintain a journal or record book of the acts they perform. Why is that? It is an important tool that provides a written record of the Notary's official acts.
Should a notary keep a log?
In California, Notaries are required to keep their journals for as long as they remain Notaries.
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.
Is a notary required to keep a logbook?
States That Require Notary Publics To Keep a Record Book:
California. Colorado. Delaware. District of Columbia.
Are you required to keep a notary journal?
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.
Does a Trust Need to be Notarized?
When can I destroy my notary journal?
Under no circumstances should you throw an old notary journal away. Some states consider it a felony to do so. These journals serve to protect you against potential lawsuits, but they also contain highly sensitive information about your clients.
What do I do with my notary journal?
In certain states you many need to retain the full notary journal as long as you are a practicing notary. Once you resign from your notary duties you can give them to the government agency. A few examples are as follows: In California, you must hand over the journals to the county clerk.
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).)
Do Notaries have 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?
What type of record keeping must an online notary public keep?
Electronic recordbook (record, journal) required, Electronic Notaries performing an online notarial act. California- Required, paper and electronic notarial acts. Thumbprint of the signer is required for any instrument affecting real property, and powers of attorney.
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.
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.
Are notary logs public records?
Journals that contain nonpublic records are the property of the Notary's employer (usually a law firm) and must be kept confidential (ARS 41-319[E]). California — Government Code 8206[d] states that the journal is the exclusive property of the Notary and prohibits a Notary from surrendering the journal to any person.
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.
How much do most notaries charge?
Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.
Can you cross out on a notarized document?
Can I simply “X” out my notary signature and stamp on a notarial certificate that contains mistakes? No. A notary public may not simply “X” out his or her notary signature and seal on a notarial certificate that contains mistakes.
Do notaries have to be confidential?
California. If we look at California, the rules are more strict. Under Gov. Code 8206[d], notaries are not allowed to disclose the contents of their notary journals to anyone.
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.
Can you refuse to do a notary?
In order to properly refuse a notarization, you should have one or more reasons to do so that can be objectively articulated in your journal. In other words, you should be able to explain why you are refusing to notarize. If you can't explain it, then you don't have a sufficient basis to do it.
What happens if you do a notary wrong?
What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.
How long do you keep a notary journal?
The notary must deliver all notarial journals, records and papers to the county clerk's office within 30 days from the date the notary commission is no longer valid. If the notary does not do this, they are guilty of a misdemeanor.
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.