GA Notary - Georgia Notary Journaling and Record Keeping Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to Georgia law effective January 1, 2025, under which specific circumstance is a notary public MANDATED to make an entry in a written or electronic journal?

Accepted Answer

When performing a notarial act for a 'self-filer'.

Answer

Georgia House Bill 1292, effective January 1, 2025, requires notaries to maintain a journal for each notarial act performed at the request of a 'self-filer.' A self-filer is generally an individual involved in certain real estate or property documents who is not part of an exempt professional group like an attorney or title agent.

Question 2

A Georgia notary maintains a journal as a best practice. Which of the following pieces of information is a recommended, but not legally required for every entry, element to include for their own protection?

Accepted Answer

The type of notarial act performed (e.g., acknowledgment, jurat).

Answer

While Georgia law mandates certain journal elements for 'self-filer' transactions, it is a widely accepted best practice to record the type of notarial act for every notarization. This detail provides crucial context and can protect the notary if the act is ever questioned. The other elements listed are either explicitly required for self-filer entries or are standard parts of the notarial certificate itself.

Question 3

A Georgia notary is performing a notarization for a 'self-filer' and is completing the required journal entry. If the notary identifies the signer based on personal knowledge, what information regarding identification should be noted in the journal?

Accepted Answer

The entry should explicitly state that identity was confirmed based on 'personal knowledge'.

Answer

The Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8) specifies that for a required journal entry, the notary must record the type of government-issued photo ID unless the identity was confirmed based on personal knowledge. In that case, noting 'personal knowledge' is the correct procedure.

Question 4

Which of the following is the PRIMARY reason that notary experts and the state of Georgia strongly recommend maintaining a journal for all notarial acts, even when not legally mandated?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a credible record and protective evidence in case of a dispute.

Answer

The main purpose of a notary journal is to create a reliable, chronological record of all notarial acts. This record serves as the notary's best evidence and protection if a notarization is ever questioned, challenged in court, or if the notary is accused of misconduct.

Question 5

A notary is asked to notarize a document for a self-filer and must make a journal entry. Which of the following details is a required component of that journal entry under Georgia law?

Accepted Answer

The signer's telephone number.

Answer

O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8(g)(2), effective January 1, 2025, explicitly lists the required elements for a journal entry for a self-filer. These include the self-filer's name, address, telephone number, date/time/location of the act, ID details (or personal knowledge), signature, and document type. The fee, recipient, and occupation are not required elements.

(GA Notary) Georgia Notary Exam Practice Test

(GA Notary) Georgia Notary Exam Practice Test

GA Notary - Georgia Notary Journaling and Record Keeping Questions and Answers