What is the purpose of a notary’s thumbprint in the journal?

The inclusion of a notary's thumbprint in the journal serves to provide an additional layer of identification for the signer. This practice enhances the security and integrity of the notarization process by offering a physical biometric record that can help verify the identity of the individual signing the document. In the event of a dispute or if the transaction is questioned later, the thumbprint can serve as a corroborating piece of evidence to confirm that the signer was indeed present and acknowledged the signing of the document in front of the notary.

This measure is particularly important in safeguarding against fraud and ensuring that the notary has adhered to their legal obligations in verifying the identity of the signer. In many jurisdictions, including California, requiring a thumbprint is standard practice for specific types of documents, such as deeds or powers of attorney, to protect all parties involved in the transaction.

Other options, while they may seem relevant, do not accurately reflect the specific purpose of the thumbprint. For example, it does not track the overall number of notarizations performed, nor does it serve as a replacement for identification documents or authenticate the notary's signature.