Notary Record-Keeping and Journal Flashcards

Should an Alabama notary record a thumbprint in the journal for high-value real estate transactions?

Answer: Yes, recording a thumbprint is a recommended best practice for high-risk documents

Recording a thumbprint for real estate and other high-value transactions is a recognized best practice that deters fraud and aids law enforcement.

An Alabama notary performed a notarial act but forgot to make a journal entry. The notary should:

Answer: Make the entry as soon as possible, noting it was recorded after the fact

Late journal entries are better than no entries; the notary should record what happened and note that it was entered after the fact.

Which identifying information is recommended when recording a signer's ID in an Alabama notary journal?

Answer: Type of ID, issuing authority, and ID number

Recording the type of ID, issuing agency, and document number confirms that the notary verified identity without retaining excessive personal data.

If an Alabama notary refuses to perform a notarial act, should the refusal be recorded in the journal?

Answer: Yes, recording refusals protects the notary from claims of improper conduct

Recording refusals documents the notary's reasons and protects against allegations of discriminatory or improper denial of service.

An Alabama notary's journal is best described as:

Answer: A chronological record of all notarial acts performed

The journal is a chronological log of each notarial act, serving as the notary's official record of professional activity.

Can an Alabama notary allow a signer to review their own journal entry?

Answer: Yes, the signer may view their own entry but the notary need not allow copying entries for others

A signer generally has a right to confirm their own entry, but the notary is not required to disclose other signers' entries to protect their privacy.