TX Notary - Texas Notary Exam Notary Record Book Requirements 1

Question 1

For Texas Remote Online Notarization (RON) notaries, is maintaining an electronic journal of notarial acts legally required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Texas law requires RON notaries to keep an electronic journal

Answer

Unlike traditional Texas notaries (who are only encouraged to keep records), RON notaries are legally required under Texas law to maintain an electronic journal of every remote notarial act performed.

Question 2

Under Texas RON rules, for how long must a notary retain their electronic journal after the date of each notarial act recorded in it?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

Texas law requires RON notaries to retain their electronic journal records for at least five years from the date of each notarial act, giving a meaningful window for legal disputes or audits.

Question 3

Which of the following details is NOT typically recommended for inclusion in a Texas notary record book entry?

Accepted Answer

The signer's Social Security number

Answer

Recording a signer's Social Security number in a record book creates unnecessary privacy and security risks. Best practice is to note the type of ID and its document number (e.g., driver's license number), not a Social Security number.

Question 4

For which category of document is it especially recommended that a Texas notary obtain the signer's thumbprint in the notary record book?

Accepted Answer

Documents conveying or encumbering real property, such as deeds

Answer

While thumbprints are not legally mandated, notary best-practice guides strongly recommend obtaining a signer's thumbprint for real property documents (deeds, mortgages, etc.) because real estate fraud is common and a biometric record provides strong evidence of the signer's identity.

Question 5

If a notary record book is subpoenaed during a legal proceeding, what is the primary protection it provides to the notary?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrates the notary properly identified the signer and performed the act correctly

Answer

A well-maintained record book is a notary's best defense against claims of negligence or fraud. It shows that the notary verified the signer's identity, recorded the correct type of act, and followed proper procedure at the time of notarization.

TX Notary - Texas Notary Exam Practice Test

TX Notary - Texas Notary Exam Practice Test

TX Notary - Texas Notary Exam Notary Record Book Requirements 1