What is the primary responsibility of a notary regarding their notarial acts?

The primary responsibility of a notary regarding their notarial acts is to keep a detailed account of every act. This includes maintaining a notary journal where all notarial acts performed are recorded. The journal serves as a vital legal record and can be used in potential disputes or for verification purposes. By documenting the details of each notarial act, such as the date, type of act, and the identities of the individuals involved, the notary helps ensure the integrity and accountability of the notarial process.

While ensuring all parties are present, charging the appropriate fees, and witnessing signatures are also important tasks that notaries perform, the key responsibility that underpins the reliability of their service is the accurate and thorough record-keeping of their notarial acts. This record-keeping is crucial for legal compliance and protecting against potential fraud.