Notary Exam Notary Journal and Record Keeping

Question 1

What is a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

An official chronological record of all notarial acts performed

Answer

A notary journal is an official sequential log documenting each notarial act performed, serving as evidence of proper procedure.

Question 2

What information is typically recorded in a single notary journal entry?

Accepted Answer

Date, type of act, document type, signer's name, ID used, fee charged, and signer's signature

Answer

A complete journal entry includes all key facts about the notarial act to create an accurate and defensible record.

Question 3

How should a notary correct an error made in their journal?

Accepted Answer

Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and initial it

Answer

Errors should be corrected with a single strikethrough so the original entry remains readable, with the correction initialed to show it was the notary's intentional change.

Question 4

When should a notary make a journal entry for a notarial act?

Accepted Answer

At the time each notarial act is performed

Answer

Journal entries must be made contemporaneously—at the time of the act—to ensure accuracy and prevent after-the-fact alterations.

Question 5

For how long should a notary retain their journal after their commission expires?

Accepted Answer

For the period specified by state law, often several years

Answer

State laws vary, but most require notaries to keep their journal for a set number of years after expiration, typically ranging from five to ten years.

Notary Exam Practice Test

Notary Exam Practice Test

Notary Exam Notary Journal and Record Keeping