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

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Date, type of notarization, and signer's name

Answer

A best-practice journal entry includes the date, type of notarial act performed, and the name of the signer.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

Notaries are advised to retain journal records for at least five years after the date of the notarial act.

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

A journal creates a contemporaneous record that can protect the notary if a notarization is ever disputed or questioned.

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

Errors in a paper journal should be corrected by drawing a single line through the mistake and initialing the correction, preserving legibility.

TN Notary - Tennessee Notary Exam Practice Test