How do you void a notary journal entry?
Asked by: Eveline Sipes | Last update: July 20, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (48 votes)
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.
How do I void a notarized document?
To void a notarized document, legal proceedings must be initiated, often through a petition or lawsuit. This process involves collecting evidence to support claims of fraud, coercion, or errors in the notarization.
How to fix a mistake in a notary journal?
The simplest way to make the correction is as follows (note: for the purpose of describing these tips, we'll assume you are using the NNA's Official Journal of Notarial Acts): Line through the incorrect information. Write the correct information in the same box, if there is room to write it legibly.
When can I destroy my notary journal?
In the absence of official state rules for the disposal of a journal, The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility recommends safeguarding and storing each journal for at least 10 years from the date of the last entry in the journal.
How to dispose of a notary journal?
- In California, you must hand over the journals to the county clerk.
- In Hawaii, they need to be given to the Attorney General's office.
- In Colorado, they need to be handed over to the Secretary of State's office.
How To Correct Notary Journal Entries
How do I void a notary 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.
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 invalidates a notarized document?
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 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.
Is the notary public journal a public record?
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. The law states that the journal is the sole property of the notary.
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.
How do you fix an incorrect journal entry?
Accountants must make correcting entries when they find errors. There are two ways to make correcting entries: reverse the incorrect entry and then use a second journal entry to record the transaction correctly, or make a single journal entry that, when combined with the original but incorrect entry, fixes the error.
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.
How to correct notary error?
If a notarial certificate requires corrections, the notary marks a line through the incorrect information, initials it, and writes in the correct information at the time of the notarization. The corrections must only be made at the time of the performance of the notarial act when the principal signer is present.
Can you void a document after signing?
You can only correct or void envelopes in an In-process state: Created, Sent, and Delivered. Once an envelope is in a terminal state: Completed (signed), Declined, or Voided it can no longer be corrected or voided. You will need to contact the sender to negotiate with the sender to delete the document.
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.
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 pen should be used when notary signing?
Notarizing: Although there is no law about which ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink. It's easy to tell an original from a copy.
Can I notarize the same document twice?
Yes, it is OK.
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.
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.
How long should you keep your 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.
What states require a notary journal?
- Arizona.
- California.
- Colorado.
- Delaware.
- District of Columbia.
- Hawaii.
- Illinois (starting 2019, all notary publics commissioned in Illinois will be required to keep a record book for acts involving conveyances for residential and/or commercial property in Cook County.
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.