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

California Government Code Section 8206 mandates that every notary public maintain a sequential journal of all official notarial acts.

Question 2

What type of journal must a California notary use?

Accepted Answer

A bound sequential journal with permanent, non-erasable ink

Answer

California requires notaries to keep a bound sequential journal and record entries in ink that cannot be easily erased.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

California requires notaries to retain their journal for 10 years after the last act recorded in it, even after the commission ends.

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

California law requires the journal to include the date and time of the act, the type of notarial act, the document type and date, the signer's signature, the type of ID used, and the fee charged.

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

If a signer refuses to sign the notary's journal, the notary must refuse to perform the notarial act, as the journal signature is required by California law.

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary Notary Journal and Record Keeping