MA Notary Notary Journal and Record-Keeping

Question 1

Is a Massachusetts notary public required by statute to maintain a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

No, a journal is optional but recommended

Answer

Massachusetts law does not mandate a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended as a best practice.

Question 2

What information should ideally be recorded in a Massachusetts notary's voluntary journal entry?

Accepted Answer

Date, type of notarial act, document type, signer identity, and fee charged

Answer

A thorough journal entry should capture the date, notarial act type, document description, how identity was verified, and any fee charged.

Question 3

How long should a Massachusetts notary retain journal records as a best practice?

Accepted Answer

7 years

Answer

Best practice recommends retaining notary journal records for at least 7 years to cover most statutes of limitations.

Question 4

When a Massachusetts notary's commission expires, what should happen to their journal?

Accepted Answer

It should be retained by the notary for reference

Answer

Upon expiration of a commission, the notary should retain their journal in case it is needed for future legal reference.

Question 5

Which detail about a signer's identity verification is most valuable to record in a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

The type of ID presented and its issuing authority

Answer

Recording the type of identification and its issuing authority documents how the notary satisfied the identity verification requirement.

MA Notary - Massachusetts Notary Exam Practice Test