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Notary · General

Why do notaries keep a journal?

Correct answer

To create a contemporaneous record of every notarial act that can later verify: the signer's identity was checked, the signer appeared voluntarily, and the specific act performed — providing protection in disputes and fraudulent document investigations

  1. A To satisfy a federal law requirement
  2. B To create a contemporaneous record of every notarial act that can later verify: the signer's identity was checked, the signer appeared voluntarily, and the specific act performed — providing protection in disputes and fraudulent document investigations
  3. C To track their income for tax purposes
  4. D The journal is optional in all states

Why this is the answer

The NOTARY JOURNAL serves critical purposes: FRAUD DETECTION: If a document is later claimed to be forged or coerced, the journal entry provides evidence of what happened. LEGAL PROTECTION: If a notary is sued or investigated, the journal demonstrates they followed proper procedures. IDENTITY VERIFICATION RECORD: Journal entries typically include the signer's name, ID type and number (or last 4 digits in some states), and the type of notarial act — creating a paper trail. REQUIRED IN HALF THE STATES: About 25 states require notaries to maintain a journal; the other states strongly recommend it. Even where not legally required, maintaining a journal is professional best practice. Journal entries must be made contemporaneously — not filled in later from memory.
Source: Notary Exam, Journal Keeping

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