Notary Journal and Record Keeping Flashcards

Is Wisconsin notaries required to maintain an official notary journal?

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

Wisconsin statute does not strictly mandate a notary journal, but maintaining one is strongly recommended to protect the notary and document their acts.

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

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

Best practice journal entries include the date, type of notarial act, description of the document, signer's name, and the form of identification presented.

How long should a Wisconsin notary retain their journal records?

Answer: At least 10 years after the last entry is recommended

Wisconsin notaries are advised to keep their journal for at least 10 years after the last entry to protect against future claims.

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

Answer: A bound journal with pre-numbered pages

A bound journal with pre-numbered pages is best because it prevents removal or substitution of pages, preserving the integrity of the record.

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

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

Recording a thumbprint is not required in Wisconsin but is recommended as an added deterrent against fraud and identity theft.

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

Answer: No, the journal is the notary's personal property

Like the seal, the notary's journal is their personal property and cannot be demanded by an employer.