WI Notary Notary Journal and Record Keeping

Question 1

Is Wisconsin notaries required to maintain an official notary journal?

Accepted Answer

It is not mandatory by statute but is strongly recommended as best practice

Answer

Yes, it is strictly required by state law

Answer

No, record keeping is completely unnecessary

Answer

Only for real estate notarizations

Question 2

What information should a Wisconsin notary's journal entry typically include?

Accepted Answer

Date, type of act, signer's name, identification used, and document type

Answer

Only the notary's signature and date

Answer

The signer's Social Security number and bank account

Answer

Only the document title

Question 3

How long should a Wisconsin notary retain their journal records?

Accepted Answer

At least 10 years after the last entry is recommended

Answer

Only 1 year

Answer

Until the commission expires

Answer

Indefinitely with no option to destroy

Question 4

What type of journal is best for a Wisconsin notary to use?

Accepted Answer

A bound journal with pre-numbered pages

Answer

Loose-leaf sheets

Answer

A spiral-bound notebook

Answer

Any notebook from a convenience store

Question 5

Should a Wisconsin notary record the signer's thumbprint in their journal?

Accepted Answer

It is optional but recommended as an extra layer of identity verification

Answer

It is required by law for all notarizations

Answer

It is prohibited as a privacy violation

Answer

Only for documents over $10,000 in value

Question 6

Can a Wisconsin notary's employer access or demand the notary's personal journal?

Accepted Answer

No, the journal is the notary's personal property

Answer

Yes, the employer owns all work-related records

Answer

Yes, if the employer paid for the journal

Answer

Only with a court order requested by the employer