Notary Journal Requirements Flashcards

What is the main purpose of having the signer sign the journal?

Answer: To provide evidence the signer personally appeared before the notary

The journal signature is proof that the signer appeared in person and can be compared with the document signature later.

A signer refuses to sign the notary's journal in a state where a journal signature is required. What should the notary do?

Answer: Refuse to perform the notarization

Where the journal signature is required by law, the notary should not proceed if the signer refuses to sign.

Which ID details does the NNA recommend recording when a signer presents a driver's license?

Answer: The ID type, issuing agency, ID number, and issue or expiration date

Recording the ID type, issuer, number, and date lets the identification be verified later.

A notary declines to notarize because the signer appears confused and unaware of the document. What does the NNA recommend for the journal?

Answer: Record the attempt and note the reason the notarization was refused

Documenting refusals and their reasons protects the notary if the decision is later questioned.

In states that authorize remote online notarization, what is typically required besides an electronic journal?

Answer: An audio-video recording of the remote session, retained as required by law

RON statutes commonly require the notary to keep an audio-video recording of the session in addition to the journal.

How should the document's date be recorded in the journal?

Answer: Record the date shown on the document, if it has one

Recording the document's own date helps identify the specific document notarized.

May a notary let an employer or coworker use the journal to record their own business transactions?

Answer: No, the journal is for the notary's official acts only

The journal is an official record of the notary's acts only and should not be used for other records.