MA Notary Notary Journal and Record-Keeping 2

Question 1

Can a Massachusetts notary use a digital or electronic journal instead of a paper journal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, electronic journals are acceptable especially for electronic notarizations

Answer

No, only paper journals are acceptable

Answer

Only with special approval from the Secretary of State

Answer

Only for commercial transactions

Question 2

What should a notary do if they discover an error in a completed journal entry?

Accepted Answer

Cross out the error with a single line and initial the correction

Answer

Erase the error completely

Answer

Destroy the entire page and start over

Answer

Leave the error unchanged

Question 3

Should a Massachusetts notary record refused notarizations in their journal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, recording refusals documents the notary's proper exercise of judgment

Answer

No, only completed notarizations should be recorded

Answer

Only if the refusal involved suspected fraud

Answer

Only if the signer requests documentation

Question 4

What is the purpose of having each signer sign the journal entry?

Accepted Answer

It provides additional evidence that the person appeared before the notary

Answer

It substitutes for signing the document

Answer

It is required by Massachusetts statute

Answer

It authorizes the notary to charge a fee

Question 5

If multiple documents are notarized for the same signer in one sitting, how should they be recorded?

Accepted Answer

A separate entry should be made for each document notarized

Answer

One journal entry covers all documents

Answer

Only the most important document needs recording

Answer

The signer decides how many entries are made

Question 6

What should a notary note if a credible witness is used to establish a signer's identity?

Accepted Answer

The witness's name, relationship to the signer, and ID used

Answer

Nothing extra is needed

Answer

Only the witness's name

Answer

Only the witness's address