TX NNJE Journal Record Retention and Access 3

Question 1

A Texas notary's commission expires and they choose not to renew. What must they do with their journal?

Accepted Answer

Retain the journal for the full 10-year retention period or deliver it to the county clerk

Answer

Expiration of a commission does not terminate retention obligations; the former notary must keep the journal for 10 years from the last entry or deliver it to the county clerk.

Question 2

A Texas notary public dies while their commission is still active. Who is responsible for ensuring the journal is properly handled?

Accepted Answer

The notary's estate or personal representative

Answer

When a notary dies, their estate or personal representative assumes responsibility for the journal and must deliver it to the county clerk within the required timeframe.

Question 3

What is the deadline for a deceased Texas notary's estate to deliver the official journal to the county clerk?

Accepted Answer

30 days after the notary's death

Answer

The notary's estate has 30 days from the date of death to deliver the journal to the county clerk to ensure proper custody and public access to records.

Question 4

In what format may a Texas notary maintain their official journal?

Accepted Answer

Either paper or electronic, in compliance with applicable statutory requirements

Answer

Texas law permits notaries to maintain journals in either paper or electronic format, provided they meet the applicable requirements for each format.

Question 5

A Texas notary's journal is destroyed in a house fire. What is the notary's correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Secretary of State and local law enforcement of the loss

Answer

The notary must report the loss of a journal — whether by fire, theft, or other cause — to the Secretary of State and law enforcement to protect against fraud and document the loss officially.

TX NNJE - Texas National Notary Journal Entry Practice Test

TX NNJE - Texas National Notary Journal Entry Practice Test

TX NNJE Journal Record Retention and Access 3