AL Notary Notary Record-Keeping and Journal 3

Question 1

What should an Alabama notary do with their journal when their commission expires and they do not renew?

Accepted Answer

Retain it personally in a secure location for the recommended retention period

Answer

Alabama notaries retain custody of their journals even after commission expiration and should store them securely for the recommended period.

Question 2

An Alabama notary who performs a large volume of notarizations should consider:

Accepted Answer

Using numbered, sequential journal entries to maintain an unbroken chain of acts

Answer

Sequential numbering ensures that no entries have been removed or inserted and provides a clear audit trail.

Question 3

In which situation would an Alabama notary's journal be most valuable?

Accepted Answer

When a signer later claims they did not sign a document or were not present

Answer

The journal is most critical as evidence when a signature or presence is disputed, demonstrating that the notarial act was properly performed.

Question 4

An Alabama notary should use ink — not pencil — for journal entries because:

Accepted Answer

Ink entries cannot be erased and altered, protecting the integrity of the record

Answer

Using permanent ink prevents alterations to journal entries, maintaining the record's evidentiary integrity.

Question 5

If a signer refuses to allow a thumbprint to be recorded in the Alabama notary's journal, the notary should:

Accepted Answer

Proceed with the notarization using other identity verification, noting the refusal

Answer

A thumbprint is a recommended best practice, not a legal requirement, so the notary may proceed with other adequate identification.

AL Notary - Alabama Notary Exam Practice Test