What should a notary do if they make a mistake in the journal?

A notary should correct any mistakes in their journal while ensuring that the original entry remains intact and unaltered. This approach maintains the integrity and authenticity of the journal. Keeping the original entry as is helps to demonstrate a clear audit trail, which is critical for any future verification or inquiry regarding notarized transactions. Not only does this practice comply with California law, but it also upholds the ethical standards required of notaries.

By not erasing or crossing out the original entry, the notary provides a transparent record of their actions, which safeguards against potential disputes or allegations of misconduct. This method preserves the historical account of notarial acts and reinforces the principle of accuracy in record-keeping.

Other options, such as ignoring the mistake or starting a new journal, compromise the integrity of the notary's official records and could lead to significant issues regarding accountability and traceability of notarial acts. Reporting to law enforcement would only be appropriate in cases of fraud or criminal activity, not simply for making a mistake in the journal.