Question 1

Is maintaining a notarial journal optional or mandatory for California notaries?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a sequential journal of all notarial acts is mandatory for every California notary public without exception. California Government Code §8206 requires this record-keeping for every notarial act performed, regardless of document type or circumstances.

Question 2

What seven categories of information must a California notary record for each journal entry?

Accepted Answer

Each journal entry must include: (1) date and time of the act, (2) type of notarial act performed, (3) type and date of the document, (4) signer's name and address, (5) type, issuing agency, serial number, and expiration date of the ID used, (6) fee charged, and (7) the signer's signature. Together these elements create a complete record of every transaction.

Question 3

For which category of documents must a California notary obtain a signer's thumbprint in the journal?

Accepted Answer

California law requires a thumbprint for all documents affecting real property, including deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, and any other instrument that transfers or encumbers real estate. This requirement exists to deter real property fraud and provide a biometric record linking the signer to the transaction.

Question 4

How long must a California notary retain a completed journal after the last entry is made?

Accepted Answer

A California notary must retain a completed journal for 10 years after the date of the last entry in that journal. This lengthy retention period ensures that records are available for legal proceedings, investigations, or disputes that may arise years after the notarial acts were performed.

Question 5

Within how many days must a California notary report a lost or stolen journal, and to whom?

Accepted Answer

A California notary must report a lost or stolen journal within 10 days of discovering the loss. The report must be made to both the local law enforcement agency (filing a police report) and the Secretary of State, as required by California Government Code §8206(b).

California Notary Public Exam — Journal Requirements

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