Notary Journal Requirements Flashcards

When should a journal entry be completed?

Answer: At the time of the notarization, before or while the act is performed

Entries should be made at the time of the act so details are accurate and the signer can sign in person.

A notary performs a jurat. Besides the signer's signature, what should the journal show?

Answer: That an oath or affirmation was given

For a jurat, the journal should note that an oath or affirmation was administered as part of the act.

A signer is personally known to the notary. What should the journal entry show for identification?

Answer: Write "personally known" as the method of identification

Personal knowledge is a valid method of identification and should be noted as the method used.

In states that set notary fees, what should the journal note about the fee?

Answer: The fee charged, or that no fee was charged

Recording the fee, including no-charge acts, shows the notary complied with the state's maximum fees.

A law enforcement officer with a valid subpoena asks for the notary's journal. What should the notary do?

Answer: Comply as required by law, and ideally keep a record of what was surrendered

Notaries must comply with lawful subpoenas or court orders, and should document the journal's release.

Why should a notary never let a signer take the journal out of the notary's sight?

Answer: The signer could alter entries or view other signers' private information

Keeping the journal under the notary's control protects its integrity and the privacy of other signers.

Which entry best describes a document in the journal?

Answer: "Grant Deed dated 03/14/2026"

A good description gives the document's title or type and date so it can be identified later.