CA Notary Notary Journal and Record Keeping

Question 1

Is a California notary public required to maintain a sequential journal of all notarial acts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is mandatory under California Government Code

Answer

No, a journal is optional

Answer

Only for real property documents

Answer

Only if the notary is self-employed

Question 2

What type of journal must a California notary use?

Accepted Answer

A bound sequential journal with permanent, non-erasable ink

Answer

Any bound or loose-leaf notebook

Answer

A digital electronic log

Answer

Any format approved by the county clerk

Question 3

How long must a California notary retain their journal after their commission expires or is terminated?

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

3 years

Answer

5 years

Question 4

What must a California notary record in their journal for every notarial act?

Accepted Answer

Date, time, type of act, document date, signature, type of ID, and fee charged

Answer

Only the type of document

Answer

Only the signer's name and the fee

Answer

Only the document type and the notary's signature

Question 5

What should a California notary do if a signer refuses to sign the notary's journal?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to perform the notarial act

Answer

Proceed with the notarization anyway

Answer

Note the refusal in the journal and proceed

Answer

Contact the Secretary of State before proceeding

Question 6

May a California notary allow their employer to access or retain their notary journal?

Accepted Answer

No, the journal belongs solely to the notary and the employer has no legal right to it

Answer

Yes, employers have full rights to the journal

Answer

Only during the employment period

Answer

Only if allowed by a court order