How often must notary journals be maintained?

Notary journals must be maintained daily to comply with California law. This requirement ensures that all notarial acts are documented consistently and accurately, providing a written record of every transaction conducted by the notary. Keeping a daily journal not only promotes transparency but also serves as a critical tool for protecting the notary against potential liability by providing evidence of the notarial services provided.

Maintaining the journal daily helps to ensure that the information is complete and up to date, allowing for accurate tracking of notarial actions. Additionally, this regular record-keeping aligns with the best practices in the notary profession, reinforcing the importance of maintaining comprehensive and reliable documentation.

Other choices suggest infrequent or situational recording, which could lead to gaps in documentation and compliance issues. However, the law is clear that a diligent approach to journal maintenance is required for all notaries in California.