What do I do if I am in Pennsylvania and I write a driver’s license number in my journal? I put a line through the number, but is that all I do? I know the info must be redacted, but how can I if I can’t use whiteout? What do you do when writing something you are not supposed to record but can't undo it? —T. B., Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania Notary journal may not contain any personal financial or identification information about the Notary’s clients, such as complete Social Security numbers, complete driver’s license numbers, or complete account numbers. Terminal numbers for these types of numbers, such as writing only the last four digits of a Social Security number, may be used to clarify which individual or account was involved.
It is best not to use correction fluid. To redact the information, an indelible black marker or a confidential roller ink stamp can be used.
For more information, please see our article and video on how to correct Notary 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
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