Why is a notary journal important even when not required by state law?

The notary journal is one of the notary's most important tools. Benefits: (1) Legal protection — if a notarized document is later challenged (claim of fraud, forgery, lack of capacity), the journal provides the notary's contemporaneous record of what occurred. Detailed journal entries can be the difference between a successful defense and personal liability; (2) Professional credibility — courts and attorneys give more weight to notaries who maintain careful records; (3) Fact reconstruction — months or years after a notarization, the notary cannot remember details unless recorded; (4) Required documentation in many states; (5) Insurance protection — many notary E&O insurance policies require journal-keeping. Best practices: keep the journal in chronological order; never tear out pages; record each notarial act separately and completely; keep journal secure when not in use; do not let signers handle the journal (other than to sign). Many states specify journal format (bound book with numbered pages).