Does my state require me to take fingerprints for my journal?

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

Is a signer’s fingerprint required for my Notary journal entries in Texas, or is it against the law to take their fingerprint? — P. S., Texas

A Texas Notary is explicitly prohibited from recording a signer’s thumbprint or fingerprint in their journal (Texas Administrative Code Section 87.50[a][3]).

For information about journal entry requirements in other states, please see the article and video, "A Notary's guide to completing journal entries."

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

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

54 Comments

Add your comment

Miylena Inthirath

28 Feb 2023

How do I know if Connecticut require a thumb print for the notary journal? I have tried to google that information and it could not tell me.

National Notary Association

06 Mar 2023

Hello. Connecticut does not have a journal requirement for its Notaries.

Rinat Friedman

Does Washington state require a thumb print for the notary journal? Thanks.

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

Jeanne

Does New Jersey require a thumb print for a notary journal? Thank you

10 Mar 2023

Hello. No, New Jersey does not require Notaries to obtain a signer thumbprint for their journal entries.

Helen Gill

Hello, are Pennsylvania Notaries required to obtain a signer thumbprint for their journal entries?

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

Marilyn

Does the state of Florida require a thumb print for the notary journal?

Hello. No, Florida does not have a signer thumbprint requirement for journal entries.

Julie Johnson

Is fingerprinting required in Oklahoma?

Hello. No, Oklahoma does not require Notaries to obtain a signer thumbprint for their journal entries.

Gloria Tillery

14 Mar 2023

I want to fingerprint people for in Washington, DC, do I need a certificate or a license to do be able to provide this service to my customers who needs fingerprinting for work, schools, etc?

15 Mar 2023

Hello. Taking fingerprints is not part of a Notary's authorized official duties in the District of Columbia. You would have to find out what the license requirements are to become a fingerprint technician in your jurisdiction.

shelbysanfilippo@gmail.com

20 Mar 2023

I got a letter in the mail, New York notaries are now required to keep journals. Do we also need the fingerprint requirement?

Hello. No, NY does not require Notaries to obtain a signer thumbprint for journal entries. You can find more information about NY journal requirements at this page: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/news/law-updates/ny-administrative-regulations-2023

Beverly Bryson

22 Mar 2023

Is finger printing required in Colorado?

28 Mar 2023

Hello. Colorado does not require Notaries to obtain a signer's fingerprint for a Notary journal entry.

Amanda Mark

29 Mar 2023

Is fingerprinting required is Mississippi?

14 Apr 2023

Hello. No, a signer thumbprint is not required for Mississippi Notary journal entries.

Deanetta

30 Mar 2023

Is fingerprinting required in Alabama?

04 Apr 2023

Hello. Alabama does not require Notaries to keep a journal, and therefore does not have a signer fingerprint requirement for journal entries.

brynkbooth@gmail.com

19 Apr 2023

Is fingerprinting required in Arizona?

21 Apr 2023

Hello. No, it is not.

dionneminner@gmail.com

09 May 2023

Hello, is fingerprinting required in Michigan?

12 May 2023

Hello. No, Michigan does not require a fingerprint for a Notary journal entry.

Paula

15 May 2023

Hello, is fingerprinting required in Georgia?

17 May 2023

Hello. Georgia does not require its Notaries to keep a journal.

psolano27@gmail.com

Hello, how can I find the NNA logo certification in my account?

19 May 2023

Hello. Please email our Customer Care team at services@nationalnotary.org to request assistance.

beth@asyleewomen.org

13 Jun 2023

Does Maryland require thumbprints?

Hello. No, Maryland does not require a signer thumbprint for a Notary's journal entries.

KIMBERLY MAITA SMITH

28 Jun 2023

Does Hawaii require fingerprints for the journal?

30 Jun 2023

Hello. No, Hawaii Notaries are not required to take a fingerprint or thumbprint for a Notary journal entry.

A.D.

09 Jul 2023

Does Arkansas require fingerprints for the journal?

National National Association

10 Jul 2023

Hello. Arkansas only requires a journal for online notarizations, though voluntarily keeping a journal is recommended by the state. Fingerprints are not a required element for a notarial journal entry in Arkansas.

Michelle Burton

13 Sep 2023

Are thumbprints required in Massachusetts

15 Sep 2023

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

Christine Herrera

24 Oct 2023

Can a Connecticut Notary fingerprint as part of the business what I have an extra license?

25 Oct 2023

Hello. Connecticut Notaries are not authorized to take fingerprints as part of their official duties. You would require separate qualifications in order to take fingerprints professionally.

mauriciomejia44@yahoo.com

27 Oct 2023

Hello. If I have to notarize the sale of a car on the official Maryland MVA Motor Vehicle Administration forms: 1. Do I have to register each person in my book, seller, and buyer with their signature and fingerprint respectively? 2. If I have to travel somewhere, where do I check the mileage rate? 3. In my notary book, what amount should I record as a notary fee? 4. In the notary book box, what type of notarization/certificate should I write? 5. In the notary book box, what kind of document or type should I write? Thank you very much for clarifying my doubts, I just want to be sure I'm doing the right thing.

31 Oct 2023

Hello. You will need to complete a journal entry for each notarization you perform. Each journal entry must include (ACM St. Gov’t 18-219[c][2]): 1. Date and time the notarial act was performed; 2. Description of the record, if any; 3. Type of notarial act; 4. Full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed; 5. If the identity of the individual is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect; 6. 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 any identification credential, and according to the the “Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public,” the identification number associated with the credential; 7. Fee, if any, charged; and 8. Indication of whether an individual making a statement or executing a signature which is the subject of the notarial act appeared in the Notary’s physical presence or by means of communication technology.

Brianna Wright

07 Nov 2023

Are thumbprints required in the notary journal for Iowa?

08 Nov 2023

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

Tina Rieger

12 Jan 2024

Are thumbprints required in the notary journal for Nevada?

19 Jan 2024

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

Megan Gregory

20 Mar 2024

Is finger printing required in New Mexico?

21 Mar 2024

Hello. No, New Mexico does not require a signer thumbprint or fingerprint for Notary journal entries.

Miss Tran

13 May 2024

Hello, does North Carolina require fingerprint? If not, are we allow to choose to get fingerprint of the signer if we wanted to? Is it against any rules if we did?

15 May 2024

Hello. North Carolina does not require a signer thumbprint for journal entries. While you may request a thumbprint for your journal from a signer, they have the option to decline.

Tina

16 May 2024

In North Carolina, what are the requirements for a round seal? Is there a border limit?

Hello. In North Carolina: “The notary seal may be either circular or rectangular in shape. Upon receiving a commission or a recommission on or after October 1, 2006, a notary shall not use a circular seal that is less than 1½ inches, nor more than 2 inches in diameter. The rectangular seal shall not be over 1 inch high and 2½ inches long. The perimeter of the seal shall contain a border that is visible when impressed” (GS 10B-37[c]).

Rachel Zarich

05 Jun 2024

Does Kansas require fingerprinting?

07 Jun 2024

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

Required *

Name *

Email *(for verfication purposes only)

Comment *

Verify

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Related Articles:What every Notary needs to know about journals

Leave a Comment

Related Articles:

What every Notary needs to know about journals