Do notaries keep copies of what they notarize?
Asked by: Frederic Feest MD | Last update: September 22, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (45 votes)
Our answer has always been just one word: “Don't.” Notaries are not required to keep copies of their customers' identification or the documents they notarize. The Notary Public Law [57 P.S. §149 et seq.]
Do notaries keep a copy of a document?
Some states, such as California and Massachusetts, require storing Notary journals in a secure location when not in use.
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 log?
In states that do require a journal, the law varies from state to state. In California, Notaries are required to keep their journals for as long as they remain Notaries.
Are notarized documents public records?
Although the law has strict guidelines, Government Code 8206[c] permits notaries to disclose the information if a written request is presented. This request needs to include the person's name, type of transaction or document, and the time at which the notarization took place.
Got you Notary Commission... now What??
Why do notaries keep journals?
A well-maintained journal is invaluable if your notarizations are ever questioned. It serves as evidence that you followed proper procedures and complied with state laws, providing a defense against legal challenges.
What makes a notarized document 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.
Can you edit a document after it's been notarized?
In fact, the signer has the sole right to make changes to the document. Remember, if the notarization period is complete, then the public notary cannot modify a notarial certificate. In order to make changes, however, the signer has to appear in person in the presence of a notary public to initiate new notarization.
What is a notary liable for?
A notary public is liable for all damages caused by his or her errors, omissions, improper notarizations, or negligence in the performance of a notarial act even if such actions were made inadvertently.
Do notarized copies expire?
Notarized documents don't expire, but their validity can be affected by outdated information or an expired notary commission. Keep details current and ensure the notary's seal is clear to avoid issues.
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).)
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.
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.
Can you notarize the same document twice?
Yes, it is OK.
What is the point of notarizing a document?
Notarization is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted. It is a three-part process, performed by a Notary Public, that includes of vetting, certifying and record-keeping.
Can you use a copy of a notarized document?
Is a copy of the notarized document acceptable? Copies of notarized documents can be accepted. However, if there is a hint that the copy of a notarized document is tempered with – it won't be accepted.
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.
Is a document legally binding if notarized?
To conclude, because notaries public notarize signatures, not the content of a document, notarization does not make a document "legal" or "official" in any way. It is important to note that a document that is illegal or false prior to notarization is still illegal or false even after being notarized.
Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?
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 do I edit a notarized document?
Fortunately, such errors are easy to fix. The Notary simply lines through any incorrect words, neatly writes in the correct information immediately above, and then initials and dates the correction. However, a Notary may only correct information in the notarial certificate — not in the main body of the document.
In which of the following situations should a notary decline to complete a notarization?
- You know or suspect the transaction is false, illegal or deceptive.
- The act being requested is not an authorized notarial act.
- The signer is unable or unwilling to pay the required fee.
- The request is made outside of your regular office hours.
Do notaries have to keep a log?
States That Require Notary Publics To Keep a Record Book:
California. Colorado. Delaware. District of Columbia.
Who is allowed to view a notary journal?
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.
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.