Colorado Notary Exam Notary Journal and Record Keeping 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Colorado notary performs two notarial acts for the same signer on the same document in one sitting. How many journal entries are required?
- One entry covering both acts
- Two separate entries, one per act (Correct answer)
- No entry is needed when acts are performed simultaneously
- One entry with a combined fee listed
Correct answer: Two separate entries, one per act
Each notarial act requires its own separate journal entry, regardless of whether multiple acts occur for the same signer at the same time.
Question 2: Which method of identity verification must be documented in the Colorado notary journal entry?
- The signer's full legal name only
- The type of credential or credible witness used to verify identity (Correct answer)
- The county where the signer resides
- The document's recording number
Correct answer: The type of credential or credible witness used to verify identity
Colorado requires the journal to reflect how identity was verified, such as by government-issued ID or credible witness.
Question 3: A notary makes a mistake in a journal entry. What is the proper correction procedure in Colorado?
- Tear out the page and rewrite the entry on a new page
- Use correction fluid (white-out) to cover the error
- Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and add the correct information (Correct answer)
- Leave the error as-is to maintain the integrity of the record
Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and add the correct information
The correct method is to draw a single line through the mistake, initial it, and write the correct information — never obliterate the original entry.
Question 4: When a Colorado notary dies while still in commission, what should happen to their journal?
- It should be destroyed to protect privacy
- The executor or personal representative should notify the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- It automatically transfers to the county clerk
- It must be submitted to the Colorado Bar Association
Correct answer: The executor or personal representative should notify the Secretary of State
If a notary dies, their personal representative is responsible for safeguarding the journal and notifying the Secretary of State.
Question 5: Under Colorado law, may a notary employer demand possession of the notary's journal?
- Yes, because the employer pays for the notary's commission
- Yes, if it is a government employer
- No, the journal belongs solely to the notary, not the employer (Correct answer)
- No, unless the employer is also a licensed attorney
Correct answer: No, the journal belongs solely to the notary, not the employer
The notary's journal is the personal property of the notary and cannot be claimed by an employer, even if the employer paid commissioning costs.
Question 6: Which of the following notarial acts in Colorado does NOT require a journal entry?
- Acknowledgment of a deed
- Jurat on an affidavit
- Certified copy of a non-vital record
- There are no exemptions — all acts require a journal entry (Correct answer)
Correct answer: There are no exemptions — all acts require a journal entry
Colorado's Revised Notary Act requires a journal entry for every notarial act performed without exception.
Question 7: A notary's journal is subpoenaed as part of a lawsuit. What must the notary do?
- Refuse to produce it because journal contents are privileged
- Comply with the court order and produce the journal (Correct answer)
- Provide only a photocopy and retain the original under all circumstances
- Notify the Secretary of State before responding to a subpoena
Correct answer: Comply with the court order and produce the journal
A court order or subpoena compels production of the journal; the notary must comply with lawful judicial process.
Colorado Notary Exam Notary Journal and Record Keeping 3
A Colorado notary performs two notarial acts for the same signer on the same document in one sitting.
How many journal entries are required?