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Do I have to record documents I don't notarize in my journal?

Does a document in a loan package that does not require notarization have to be entered in the Notary journal?D. S., Washington

No; you only must make a journal entry for the notarial acts you perform. See RCW 42.45.180: “A notary public shall maintain a journal in which the notary public chronicles all notarial acts that the notary public performs.”

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4 Comments

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RB

04 Jan 2024

If you fill out your journal, but mistakenly did not stamp the acknowledgment and title caught it when they received the originals, do you have to cross out that line item?

National Notary Association

05 Jan 2024

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Elizabeth Boger Foreman

30 Aug 2021

What if you are required to administer an oath? This is a notarial act (at least in Virginia) , but does not require a notary stamp. I would record this in my notary journal - correct?

National Notary Association

30 Aug 2021

Hello. Yes, if you administer a verbal oath or affirmation, you should record the details in your journal.

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