Every California notary public must maintain a single, bound sequential journal of all official acts performed (Government Code §8206). Required journal entries include: (1) date, time, and type of notarial act; (2) character (type) of the document; (3) signature of each person whose signature was notarized; (4) the type of identification used; and (5) the fee charged.
For real property documents (deeds, deeds of trust, etc.), a right thumbprint of the signer must also be obtained.
A notary may maintain only ONE journal at a time. The journal is the exclusive property of the notary — no employer may demand its surrender, regardless of who paid for it. Upon commission expiration or resignation, the journal must be delivered to the county clerk within 30 days.
Exam Tip: A peace officer may inspect the journal — willful refusal carries a maximum $2,500 civil penalty.
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