How long does a notary have to keep their records?

Asked by: Marcus Whitney

A notary must keep journals for ten years after the date of the last notarization recorded in the journal.

How long do you have to keep notary records in California?

10 years

The Code advises keeping your official journal of notarial acts in your possession for at least 10 years from the date of the last entry in the journal (VIII-C-2).

Do you have to keep a notary journal in Texas?

Yes. A Texas notary is required by law to maintain a record book or journal of every notarial act performed. This record book must be maintained whether or not any fees are charged for your notary public service. We recommend that you record every notarization in your journal.

What do you do with old notary books in Texas?

So if you perform a notarization and there are 2 years left on your Notary commission, you keep the journal record for 3 years. However, Texas officials recommend keeping journal records permanently as a best practice.

How long do you have to keep notary records in Arizona?

five years

Arizona: Requires notaries to keep all notary records and journals for at least five years after the date the last documented notarial act was performed.

How much do California Notaries make?

California is the highest paying state in the U.S. when it comes to being a notary public. The average salary of a notary public in California is $59,055. Considering the average of the country is roughly $45,000, this is another great reason to become a notary in California.

Is a thumbprint required for a notary in California?

California Notaries are required to obtain a thumbprint for a deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, and other documents affecting real property or any power of attorney document. (Government Code Section 8206[a][2][G]).

Should a notary keep a log?

Should Every Notary Keep A Journal? Yes. Most states require or strongly recommend that Notaries own and maintain a journal or record book of the acts they perform.

What should be kept in a notary journal?

State Requirements For Notary Journal Entries

• The date and time the notarization took place.
• The type of notarization performed — such as, “Acknowledgment” or “Jurat”
• The type of document being notarized — for example “Deed of Trust” or “Power of Attorney”

What are the notary laws in Texas?

The only Texas notary who may prepare legal documents or give any legal advice or guidance is a notary who is also an attorney. As a notary your only duty is to perform the notarial act and complete the notarial certificate. (You may, however, show the signer a certificate.)

How much can you charge as a notary in Texas?

The maximum fees you may charge are as follows: Acknowledgment or proof, $6.00 for the first signature and $1.00 for each additional signature. Administering an oath or affirmation, with certificate and seal: $6.

How long is a notarized document valid in Texas?

four years

In California and Texas, this is four years, at which point the notary must renew his or her commission with the Secretary of State. Just because the commission seal date has expired, however, doesn’t mean the notarized document is invalid.