TX NNJE Journal Record Retention and Access

Question 1

How long must a Texas notary public retain their official journal after the last entry is made?

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

5 years

Answer

7 years

Answer

15 years

Question 2

Who legally owns the official notary journal in Texas?

Accepted Answer

The notary public personally

Answer

The employer who sponsored the notary commission

Answer

The county clerk's office

Answer

The state of Texas

Question 3

Where must a Texas notary store their official journal to meet legal requirements?

Accepted Answer

In a secure location under the notary's direct and exclusive control

Answer

At the county clerk's office for safekeeping

Answer

At the office of the employer who paid for the commission

Answer

In a bank safety deposit box

Question 4

A Texas notary has a journal with entries from 2010 through 2018. When does the 10-year retention period for this journal begin?

Accepted Answer

The date of the last notarial act recorded in the journal

Answer

January 1 of the year the first entry was made

Answer

The date the notary's commission was first issued

Answer

The date the notary's current commission expires

Question 5

A Texas notary leaves their employer but still holds a valid commission. What happens to the journal?

Accepted Answer

The notary takes the journal because it is their personal property

Answer

The employer retains the journal as business records

Answer

The journal is split between the notary and employer

Answer

The journal must be filed with the Secretary of State upon departure

Question 6

If a Texas notary's journal is lost or stolen, what is the correct immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Secretary of State and local law enforcement

Answer

Begin a new journal and continue without reporting

Answer

Wait 30 days to see if it is recovered before reporting

Answer

Notify only the employer and keep the matter internal

Question 7

How many separate journals may a Texas notary maintain at the same time?

Accepted Answer

As many as needed, provided each is clearly identified

Answer

Only one journal at a time is permitted

Answer

A maximum of two — one paper, one electronic

Answer

A maximum of three journals simultaneously