MA Notary Notary Journal and Record-Keeping 3

Question 1

What happens to a Massachusetts notary's journal if the notary dies while still commissioned?

Accepted Answer

The notary's estate should retain it or transfer it to the county probate court

Answer

Upon a notary's death, their estate is responsible for the journal, and it may need to be submitted to probate court if required.

Question 2

Is a Massachusetts notary required to allow a member of the public to inspect their journal?

Accepted Answer

No, the journal is the notary's private record

Answer

A notary's journal is a private professional record; there is no general right for the public to demand inspection.

Question 3

Should a Massachusetts notary record the thumbprint of a signer in their journal?

Accepted Answer

It is an optional best practice for high-value or high-risk documents

Answer

Recording a thumbprint is an optional but useful additional safeguard for significant transactions where identity fraud is a concern.

Question 4

What is a sequential journal entry number used for?

Accepted Answer

To uniquely identify each notarial act and prevent tampering with the order of entries

Answer

Sequential numbering of entries makes it obvious if pages are removed or entries are inserted, protecting the integrity of the journal.

Question 5

If a Massachusetts notary's journal is lost or stolen, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Report the loss to local law enforcement and consider notifying the Secretary of State

Answer

Reporting a lost or stolen journal to law enforcement protects the notary and potential victims if the journal is misused for fraud.

MA Notary - Massachusetts Notary Exam Practice Test