Why should a notary keep a journal of notarial acts, even when the state does not strictly require one?

A notary journal is a chronological record of each notarial act — typically including the date and time, type of act, type of document, the signer's name and how they were identified, the fee charged, and the signer's signature. Even where not legally required, keeping a journal is strongly recommended because it is the notary's best evidence that an act was performed correctly. If a notarization is later questioned, disputed, or litigated — for example, in a fraud or forgery claim — the journal entry can protect the notary by documenting exactly what occurred. Many states require a journal, and following good recordkeeping practice is a professional safeguard.