Free Minnesota Notary Record Keeping Questions and Answers
Can a Minnesota notary public keep their journal electronically?
Minnesota allows notaries to keep their journals electronically, provided that the electronic format meets legal requirements for security and record-keeping. Electronic journals must be secure and readily accessible for review or inspection if necessary.
How long must a notary public in Minnesota retain their journal of notarial acts?
Minnesota law requires notaries to retain their journal of notarial acts for at least 10 years from the date of the last entry. This retention period helps ensure that records are available for review if needed for legal or administrative purposes.
What should a notary public do if their notarial journal is lost or stolen?
If a notarial journal is lost or stolen, the notary public must report the incident to both the Secretary of State and local law enforcement. This helps protect against potential misuse of the journal and maintains the integrity of the notarial records.
What information is required to be recorded in a Minnesota notary’s journal for each notarial act?
In Minnesota, a notary public must record the date of the notarial act, a brief description of the document, and the signatures of the parties involved in their journal. This helps ensure proper documentation and accountability for each notarial act.
What should a notary public in Minnesota include in their journal entry if the notarial act involves a witness signature?
When a notarial act involves a witness signature, the notary public should include the witness's name and signature in the journal entry. This helps provide a complete record of all parties involved in the notarization process.