KY Notary Journal and Record Keeping

Question 1

Under Kentucky law, are notaries required to maintain a notarial journal for traditional in-person notarizations?

Accepted Answer

No, it is optional but strongly recommended

Answer

Yes, it is mandatory for all notarial acts

Answer

Yes, but only for acknowledgments and jurats

Answer

No, and the Secretary of State discourages it

Question 2

For remote online notarizations in Kentucky, what must a notary maintain as a record?

Accepted Answer

An audio-visual recording of the notarial act

Answer

A paper journal co-signed by the signer

Answer

A sworn affidavit from the signer confirming identity

Answer

A certified copy of every notarized document

Question 3

How long must audio-visual recordings from remote online notarizations be retained in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

5 years

Answer

7 years

Answer

15 years

Question 4

Which of the following should be included in a notary's journal entry for each notarial act?

Accepted Answer

The date, type of notarial act, and name of the signer

Answer

The notary's personal opinion of the signer's credibility

Answer

The full text of the document being notarized

Answer

The signer's Social Security number for positive identification

Question 5

When a notary verifies a signer's identity, what identification-related information should be recorded in the journal?

Accepted Answer

The type of ID presented and its relevant identifying details

Answer

No identification information is necessary in the journal

Answer

Only the signer's verbal confirmation of identity

Answer

The full number of every government ID the signer presents

Question 6

If a notary chooses to keep a journal in Kentucky, where should the journal be stored?

Accepted Answer

In the notary's secure custody under lock and key

Answer

At the county clerk's office for public access

Answer

In the signer's possession after the notarial act

Answer

Filed annually with the Secretary of State's office

Question 7

A notary receives a valid court subpoena requesting their notarial journal. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Comply with the subpoena and provide the journal as required

Answer

Refuse to provide the journal as it contains private signer information

Answer

Destroy the journal to protect signer privacy before the deadline

Answer

Provide only the entries that do not involve the requesting party