AL Notary Notary Record-Keeping and Journal 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

No, collecting biometric data is prohibited in Alabama

Answer

Only if the signer requests it

Answer

Only for documents over $500,000 in value

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Skip the entry entirely since the act is already complete

Answer

Contact the signer to come back and re-sign

Answer

File an amendment with the Secretary of State

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Type of ID, issuing authority, and ID number

Answer

Only the signer's printed name

Answer

Full Social Security number

Answer

A photocopy of the ID attached to the journal

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

No, only completed acts need to be recorded

Answer

Only if the requester complains to the Secretary of State

Answer

Only if the refusal was due to a legal conflict

Question 5

An Alabama notary's journal is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A chronological record of all notarial acts performed

Answer

A copy of every document notarized

Answer

A list of all fees charged to clients

Answer

A record of the notary's commission history

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

No, the journal is strictly confidential

Answer

Yes, anyone may inspect the entire journal at any time

Answer

Only if the signer presents a court order