If a notary loses their journal, they should report the loss to local law enforcement and notify the Secretary of State’s office. This ensures that appropriate steps are taken to address the loss and mitigate any potential misuse of the journal’s contents.
The notary should record essential details in their notarial journal, including the signer’s full name, the date and type of the notarial act performed, and the document’s title. This information helps maintain an accurate record of the notarial activities and ensures compliance with legal requirements.
Notaries should store their journal and other notarial records in a secure location, such as a locked drawer or safe. This ensures the privacy and security of sensitive information and protects against unauthorized access.
In Arkansas, a notary must retain their notarial journal for at least 5 years after the date of the last entry. This retention period ensures that there is a record of notarial acts available for review if necessary.
If an error is made in the notarial journal, the notary should strike through the error with a single line (so it is still legible), then write the correct information. This practice maintains a clear and accurate record while preserving the integrity of the original entry.
