Why is it important for a Notary to maintain a journal?

Maintaining a journal is vital for a Notary as it serves as an official record of all notarial acts performed. This record can provide legal protection and serve as evidence in case of disputes regarding the authenticity of a signature or the circumstances under which a notarial act was performed. Should any questions arise about the notarial act, such as in legal disputes or audits, the journal can help substantiating the Notary's actions, reflecting a thorough and accountable practice.

While keeping track of fees, logging client appointments, and noting personal thoughts may have their uses, they do not contribute to the core purpose of the journal. The primary focus of a Notary's journal is to ensure transparency and accountability, preserving a detailed and verifiable history of each notarial act, which is essential for legal integrity in notarial duties.