This official journal serves as a comprehensive log for a notary’s activities. It meticulously documents each notarial act performed, including the date, time, type of notarization, the name and address of the person whose signature was notarized, the type of identification presented, and the fees charged. For example, a completed entry might record the notarization of a signature on a real estate deed, noting the driver’s license used for identification and the fee collected.
Maintaining such documentation offers crucial protection for the notary, demonstrating adherence to legal requirements and providing a verifiable record in case of discrepancies or legal challenges. This practice also helps deter fraud and ensures accountability in the notarization process. Historically, diligent record-keeping has been a cornerstone of trust and integrity in the proper administration of oaths and affirmations.