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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Are thumbprints required in my state for Notary journal entries?

By NNA Staff

Are thumbprints required for Notary journals in the state of New Jersey? — L. H., New Jersey

No, New Jersey does not require Notaries to obtain a thumbprint of each signer in a journal entry.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

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97 Comments

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Natalia Du

16 Oct 2024

Hi in Missouri are we required to obtain a signer thumbprint and ID information?

National Notary Association

16 Oct 2024

Hello. Missouri Notaries are required to record the evidence of identity of each principal (whether by personal knowledge, a notation of the type of ID, its issuing agency, serial or identification number and date of issuance or expiration), the handwritten signature and name of each credible witness, and for witnesses not personally known to the Notary, a description of the IDs relied on by the Notary (RSMo 486.705.1). Missouri Notaries are not required to obtain a signer thumbprint for their journal entries.

Victoria Hanvey

06 Aug 2024

Hello, I am in VA. Are notarial acts in VA required to finger print in the notary log book?

National Notary Association

12 Aug 2024

Hello. No, Virginia Notaries are not required to obtain a signer thumbprint or fingerprint for their journal entries.

Lisa Weitnauer

02 Mar 2024

Does Iowa require thumbprint?

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2024

Hello. No, Iowa does not have a Notary journal requirement.

Denise

29 Jan 2024

Hi, I'm in Colorado so I know a thumbprint is not required, but was curious if there is a notary journal without that section or should you just leave it blank if your state doesn't require a thumbprint?

National Notary Association

31 Jan 2024

Hello. You do not have to complete the thumbprint section of the journal entry if a signer thumbprint is not required in your state.

Mason C Brainard-Fernandez

18 Jan 2024

Hello, does Colorado require a thumbprint in notary journal entries?

National Notary Association

19 Jan 2024

Hello. No, Colorado does not require a thumbprint for journal entries.

Becky F

10 Jan 2024

Does Wyoming require a thumbprint and what documents do require a thumbprint

National Notary Association

29 Jan 2024

Hello. Wyoming does not require a thumbprint for a journal entry.

Ana G Fiallos

25 Dec 2023

Does Indiana require thumbprint?

National Notary Association

08 Jan 2024

Hello. No, Indiana prohibits taking a thumbprint or fingerprint for journal entries: “A notary public (other than a court clerk notarizing instruments for the court) shall not record in the notary’s record journal: “(1) an identification number that was assigned by a governmental agency or by the United States to the principal and that is set forth on the identification card or passport presented as identification; “(2) any other number that could be used to identify the principal of the document; or “(3) a biometric identifier, including a fingerprint, voice print, and retina or iris image” (75 IAC 7-6-1[a]).

Susan

18 Nov 2023

Does NYC require a fingerprint? I know that NY requires a journal as of Jan 23, but is a fingerprint required? I’ve read the nys links you provide, but can’t find a reference to fingerprints.

National Notary Association

30 Nov 2023

Hello. There is not a fingerprint requirement for journal entries in New York. According to 19 NYCRR 182.9(a), for each entry of a notarial act, a Notary must record in the journal: 1. The date and approximate time, and type of notarial act; 2. The name and address of of any individuals for whom a notarial act was performed; 3. The number and type of notarial services provided; and 5. The type of credential used to identify the principal, including, for verification made in accordance with 19 NYCRR 182.5(b)(4)-(5), the names of the witnesses and, if applicable, the type of credential used; 6. For electronic notarial acts, identification of the communication technology and, if not included as part of the communication technology used by the electronic notary, the certification authority and verification providers used.

Lewis2992

20 Sep 2023

Do Lien Satisfied/Legal owner/Title Holder Release require thumbprint in journal for the state of CALIFORNIA?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2023

Hello. California Notaries must collect a signer thumbprint for the journal entry If the document is a power of attorney, deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust or other document affecting real property (GC 8206[a]).

renct519@frontier.com

23 Aug 2023

In West Virginia, a journal log is not required but if it is done, is it prohibited to thumbprint journal entries?

National Notary Association

24 Aug 2023

Hello. Because West Virginia does not require a journal, it does not address the question of requesting a thumbprint for a journal entry. If you choose to keep a journal, you may ask the signer to provide a thumbprint, but the signer has the choice to refuse.

Renee

21 Aug 2023

In West Virginia here. I know we aren’t required to keep a journal of notarial acts but if we do are thumbprints prohibited?

National Notary Association

24 Aug 2023

Hello. Because West Virginia does not require a journal, it does not address the question of requesting a thumbprint for a journal entry. If you choose to keep a journal, you may ask the signer to provide a thumbprint, but the signer has the choice to refuse.

Jen

08 Aug 2023

Illinois recently passed a law with new requirements for IL Notary Publics. In regards to the journal entry requirements, there seems to be some conflicting information. Can you please verify what is REQUIRED in each Journal entry now? Also, as far as a Witness, does this mean the Signer and the Notary cannot witness for one another, there must be a 3rd party present? Lastly, is it true that we are now Prohibited to have a thumbprint or any personal ID information from our Principal's ,in our Journals?

National Notary Association

08 Aug 2023

Please see our article on the new Illinois Notary journal requirements here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2023/06/an-overview-of-the-new-illinois-notary-journal-requirements

NAOMI R DUCKWORTH

18 Jul 2023

Are thumbprints required or prohibited in the state of Arkansas?

National Notary Association

19 Jul 2023

Hello. Arkansas only requires a journal record for online notarizations. The state does not require or prohibit requesting a thumbprint for journal entries.

Rebecca Kielty

14 Jul 2023

Does the District of Columbia require a thumbprint?

National Notary Association

14 Jul 2023

Hello. No, the District of Columbia does not require a thumbprint for Notary journal entries. The following information is required for journal entries: “(1) The date and time of the notarial act; “(2) A description of the record, if any, and type of notarial act; “(3) The full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed; “(4) If the identity of the individual is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect; “(5) If the identity of the individual is based on satisfactory evidence, a brief description of the method of identification and the identification credential presented, if any, including the date of issuance and expiration of an identification credential when such a credential is used; “(6) The fee, if any, charged by the notary public; and “(7) The signature of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed” (CDC 1-1231.18[c]).

Tanner

13 Jul 2023

Hello, Does Mississippi or Arkansas require a thumbprint in the notary journal? Thanks.

National Notary Association

14 Jul 2023

Hello. No, neither state requires a thumbprint for Notary journal entries.

Pamela

28 Jun 2023

Do South Carolina require a thumb print

National Notary Association

29 Jun 2023

Hello. No, South Carolina does not require a thumbprint for a journal entry. The state only requires keeping a journal for electronic notarial acts, though keeping a journal is strongly recommended for pen-and-paper notarizations.

Marie

14 Jun 2023

Hello, Are thumbprints required in Pennsylvania for journal entries related to loan signing documents? I know some states require it for some entries. Thank you for your help.

National Notary Association

07 Aug 2023

No, thumbprints are not required in Pennsylvania in your Notary journal. Additionally, although thumbprints are not mentioned outright, personal information cannot be entered in journal in PA.

Mkee.notary.lsa@gmail.com

17 Apr 2023

Hello! I am in Wisconsin, I Know that its not required to thumbprint your journal but I am wondering if its illegal to record their drivers license number in your journal and should only put their exp. date? I guess it is illegal in some states to record the full number.

National Notary Association

18 Apr 2023

Hello. Journals are not required in Wisconsin, but the state Notary Public Handbook suggests, “If you decide to keep a notarial log book, include items such as the date and type of notarial act, names and signatures of persons involved, and numbers from identification cards and driver’s licenses presented.”

Lara Plecas

11 Apr 2023

Does Iowa require a thumb print?

National Notary Association

14 Apr 2023

Hello. Iowa does not have a journal requirement for pen and paper notarizations. Iowa Notaries who perform notarial acts for remotely located individuals must create an audio-visual recording of the performance of the notarial act (IC 9B.14A.3.c).

Twyla Smith

09 Mar 2023

Does Georgia require a thumb print?

National Notary Association

10 Mar 2023

Hello. Georgia does not require Notaries to keep a journal and therefore does not have a journal thumbprint requirement.

Jane M.

02 Mar 2023

Does MN require a Notary to take fingerprints for their journals?

National Notary Association

06 Mar 2023

Hello. No, a fingerprint is not required in Minnesota.

S Falkenberg

02 Mar 2023

Is a thumbprint required for Massachusetts?

National Notary Association

06 Mar 2023

Hello. No a thumbprint is not required in Massachusetts.

Robert J

27 Feb 2023

Does Wisconsin require thumbprints for notarizations and loan signings? Thank you!

National notary Association

06 Mar 2023

Hello. Wisconsin does not require Notaries to keep a journal, so there is no journal thumbprint requirement for Wisconsin Notaries.

S. Gipani

07 Feb 2023

Does NYC require a thumbprint in a journal and is it mandatory to keep a journal as of Jan 25, 2023?

National Notary Association

08 Feb 2023

Hello. Yes, New York Notaries are required to keep a journal as of January 25, 2023. For details on NY Journal requirements, please see this article: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2017/06/take-care-notary-journals-need-them

Brad

03 Feb 2023

Does NY require a thumbprint?

National Notary Association

08 Feb 2023

Hello. No, New York does not require a thumbprint for journal entries. Please see this article for details on NY's new journal requirements: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2017/06/take-care-notary-journals-need-them

David

14 Jan 2023

Hello, does Oregon require a thumbprint in the journal?

National Notary Association

23 Jan 2023

Hello. No, Oregon Notaries are not required to take thumbprints for their journal entries.

Kathleen

07 Jan 2023

Does Ohio require a thumbprint in journal?

National Notary Association

10 Jan 2023

Hello. No, Ohio does not require a thumbprint for journal entries. The state only requires a journal for online notarizations.

Kassadi

16 Dec 2022

Is Idaho a state that requires a thumbprint? Is Idaho a state where requesting a thumbprint for a notary journal illegal?

National Notary Association

20 Dec 2022

Hello. Idaho does not require Notaries to keep a journal (though it is a recommended practice) and does not have statutory guidelines for requesting a thumbprint for a journal entry.

dmartinez84@phs.org

13 Dec 2022

does new mexico require a thumb print

National Notary Association

14 Dec 2022

Hello. No, New Mexico Notaries are not required to obtain a signer thumbprint for their journal entries. The requirements are: “An entry in a journal must … contain the following information: “(1) the date and time of the notarial act; “(2) a description of the record, if any, and type of notarial act; “(3) the full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed; “(4) if identity of the individual is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect; “(5) if identity of the individual is based on satisfactory evidence, a brief description of the method of identification and the identification credential presented, if any, including the date of issuance and expiration of any identification credential; and “(6) the fee, if any, charged by the notary public” (NMSA 14-14A-18.C).

Tan

22 Nov 2022

Does Washington State require thumbprints?

National Notary Association

30 Nov 2022

Hello. No, WA does not require a thumbprint for journal entries.

latashaeslater@yahoo.com

02 Nov 2022

Is a thumbprint required in the state of Kansas

National Notary Association

03 Nov 2022

Hello. Kansas Notaries are not required to obtain a signer thumbprint for their journal entries.

deann@priostone.com

18 Oct 2022

Does Alabama require a thumbprint for journal entries on any documents?

National Notary Association

18 Oct 2022

Hello. No, Alabama's journal requirement for traditional notarizations was repealed effective January 1, 2012. However, the Secretary of State's office recommends keeping a journal voluntarily.

matthewjaykessler@gmail.com

17 Oct 2022

Does California require a thumbprint for notary journal entry?

National Notary Association

18 Oct 2022

Hello. California Notaries must obtain the signer's thumbprint for the journal entry when notarizing a power of attorney, deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust or other document affecting real property.

alex.lee.ogle@gmail.com

10 Oct 2022

Does Arizona require a thumbprint for notary journal entry?

National Notary Association

13 Oct 2022

Hello. No, Arizona does not require a thumbprint for journal entries.

Donna Miller

04 Oct 2022

Does Nebraska require Notaries to obtain a thumbprint of each signer in a journal entry for any type of notarization. Thank you Donna Miller

National Notary Association

06 Oct 2022

Hello. Nebraska does not require a thumbprint for Notary journal entries.

India D.

03 Oct 2022

Hello. Does Texas require fingerprints in the notary journal?

National Notary Association

06 Oct 2022

Hello. No, Texas prohibits taking fingerprints or thumbprints for journal entries. “A notary public (other than a court clerk notarizing instruments for the court) shall not record in the notary’s record book: … a biometric identifier, including a fingerprint, voice print, and retina or iris image” (1 TAC 87.50[a][3]).

Gio Vidal

02 Oct 2022

Does Florida require a signer thumbprints?

National Notary Association

04 Oct 2022

Hello. Florida only requires a journal for online notarizations, A thumbprint is not required for journal entries for online notarizations. The Executive Office of the Florida Governor's website includes the following question and answer in its FAQ on fingerprints: “Q: May I require the fingerprints of a person for whom I notarize? – “A: No. Florida law does not require, nor authorize, notaries to take fingerprints from persons whose signatures they notarize. Many notary journals or records books allow space for a thumbprint, but this feature is optional. If there is no objection from the signer, you may record a thumbprint in your journal. However, you should not refuse to provide notary services based solely on the person's refusal to provide a fingerprint in your record book”

Lisa

02 Oct 2022

Does Indiana require me to take a thumb print?

National Notary Association

04 Oct 2022

Hello. No, Indiana prohibits its Notaries from taking biometric information such as a thumbprint in a journal entry (75 IAC 7-6-1[a]).

James R

28 Sep 2022

Do i need two journal or is notary journal and an NSA journal the same journal Thank you foe your help

National Notary Association

04 Oct 2022

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

SYLVIA Wilson

28 Sep 2022

Maryland or Virginia require thumbprints?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2022

Hello. No, neither state requires a journal thumbprint. Virginia only requires a journal for electronic notarial acts.

Susan F.

27 Sep 2022

If NC does not require thumbprints, is it ok to get them anyway for peach of mind?

National Notary Association

06 Oct 2022

Hello. In states where a thumbprint is not required for a Notary journal entry and is not prohibited by state law, you may ask for a thubmprint but the signer has the option to decline. If the thumbprint is not required, Notaries should not refuse service to a signer solely because they decline to leave a thumbprint.

Alan Cohen

27 Sep 2022

All my clients in NJ are always happy to give their thumbprint if I ask even though its not needed in NJ. I let them know its to prevent fraud in case the SOS wants to look into anything.

Gwendolyn

27 Sep 2022

Does South Carolina require a signer thumbprint?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2022

Hello. South Carolina only requires a journal for electronic notarizations, and a thumbprint is not required for the journal entry.

MW

26 Sep 2022

Does Tennessee require a thumbprint in notary journals? I had read somewhere that even if not required, it’s a practice recommended by NNA?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2022

Hello. Tennessee does not require a thumbprint for journal entries. While a Notary may ask a signer to provide a thumbprint, this is optional for the signer, and the signer has the right to refuse. You may not refuse to perform a notarization solely on the basis of the signer declining to provide a thumbprint for your journal entry.

Sarah Pond

26 Sep 2022

Does Missouri require thumbprints in Notary journal?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2022

Hello. No, the state does not require thumbprints for journal entries.

nataliejensen816@gmail.com

26 Sep 2022

Does Kentucky require Notaries to obtain a thumbprint of each signer in a journal entry?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2022

Hello. No, the state does not require a thumbprint for journal entries.

Tasha

26 Sep 2022

Does Illinois require Notaries to obtain a thumbprint of each signer in a journal entry.

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2022

Hello. No, Notaries Public in Illinois are not required by law to keep records of notarial acts.

Donna N.

26 Sep 2022

I am a Nevada notary. I was recently told by a paralegal that thumbprints are not required here. Did I miss something new? For safety's sake, I have always taken thumbprints for all transactions.

National Notary Association

26 Sep 2022

Hello. No, Nevada does not require a signer thumbprint for Notary journal entries.

James Recchia

26 Sep 2022

Does Michigan require Notaries to obtain a thumbprint of each signer in a journal entry. Thank you James Recchia

National Notary Association

26 Sep 2022

Hello. No, Michigan does not require a signer thumbprint for journal entries.

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