Why is it necessary for notaries to keep a journal?

Keeping a journal of notarial acts is essential for several reasons, primarily centered around legal protection. This journal serves as a formal record of all notarial activities, which can be crucial in case any disputes arise regarding the authenticity of signatures or the legality of the documents notarized. It provides a clear and organized account of each transaction, documenting the time, date, nature of the act, and the identities of the parties involved.

This record is helpful not only for the notary in protecting themselves from potential allegations of wrongdoing, but also serves as evidence in court if the need arises. By maintaining an accurate and detailed journal, notaries can demonstrate that they fulfilled their duties in accordance with legal standards, thus offering a layer of liability protection.

While tracking personal transactions, providing records for clients, or maintaining inventory of supplies might be useful, they do not directly relate to the core responsibility of a notary, which is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents and to provide documented evidence that such services were rendered properly.