As a mobile notary serving clients across Massachusetts, maintaining a comprehensive notary journal is vital to properly documenting each notarization I perform. The journal provides a permanent record of all notarial acts and serves as a legal protection for both myself and any parties involved in a signing.
For every notarization, I am sure to record all details in ink in my bound journal before departing the signing location. I always note the date and time, as well as the type of notarial act, such as an acknowledgment. I then list the full names and addresses of all individuals whose signatures are being notarized.
It is equally important to capture identifying information for any witnesses or translators present. I record their full names and roles in the signing process.
Beyond parties, I take care to document the type of government-issued photo ID each signer presents for identity verification. I write the ID number, date of issuance and expiration, and place it was issued. This proves I followed proper ID authentication procedures.
As a traveling notary, I indicate the exact physical address or location where the notarization was performed. Descriptive details paint a clear picture for any future review of my journal.
Signatures from all involved individuals are also included as final confirmation of the notarization details. Maintaining this comprehensive record in my secured notary journal protects me and allows verification of any notarization I perform as needed. Thorough, accurate journal entries are the hallmark of my notarization practice.