Do affiants have to sign the journal when taking an oath, even if they aren’t presenting documents for notarization?
- M.N., Fairfield, California
Yes. Even though a Notary may not be presented documents to notarize, a verbal oath is an authorized notarial act (Government Code, Section 8205). Since you live in California, you are required by California law to keep a journal record of all of your official acts. (Government Code, Section 8206). You will need to have your oath-taker sign your journal and record all pertinent information, just as you would any other notarial act.
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