TN Notary Journal and Record Keeping

Question 1

Is a Tennessee notary required by state law to maintain a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not required but recommended

Answer

Yes, always required

Answer

Only for electronic notarizations

Answer

Only for real estate documents

Question 2

What information should a notary record in a voluntary journal entry?

Accepted Answer

Date, type of notarization, and signer's name

Answer

Only the signer's address

Answer

Only the document title

Answer

The notary's personal notes about the signer

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

3 years

Answer

10 years

Question 4

Which of the following is a benefit of maintaining a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

It provides a defense record if a notarization is later challenged

Answer

It allows the notary to charge higher fees

Answer

It replaces the need for a notary seal

Answer

It eliminates the need for signer identification

Question 5

What should a notary do if a journal entry contains an error?

Accepted Answer

Strike through the error with a single line and initial it

Answer

Tear out the page and start over

Answer

Use correction fluid to cover the mistake

Answer

Delete the entire entry

Question 6

If a Tennessee notary's journal is lost or stolen, what is the recommended action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Secretary of State and file a police report

Answer

Do nothing unless asked by a court

Answer

Immediately surrender the notary commission

Answer

Purchase a new journal and continue without reporting