MA Notary Notary Journal and Record-Keeping

Question 1

Is a Massachusetts notary public required by statute to maintain a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

No, a journal is optional but recommended

Answer

Yes, it is mandatory under Massachusetts law

Answer

Only required for remote notarizations

Answer

Only required for real estate documents

Question 2

What information should ideally be recorded in a Massachusetts notary's voluntary journal entry?

Accepted Answer

Date, type of notarial act, document type, signer identity, and fee charged

Answer

Only the signer's name

Answer

Only the document title and date

Answer

Only the fee collected

Question 3

How long should a Massachusetts notary retain journal records as a best practice?

Accepted Answer

7 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

3 years

Answer

10 years

Question 4

When a Massachusetts notary's commission expires, what should happen to their journal?

Accepted Answer

It should be retained by the notary for reference

Answer

It must be submitted to the Secretary of State

Answer

It should be destroyed immediately

Answer

It must be submitted to the county clerk

Question 5

Which detail about a signer's identity verification is most valuable to record in a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

The type of ID presented and its issuing authority

Answer

The signer's social security number

Answer

The signer's employer name

Answer

The signer's telephone number

Question 6

If a notary's journal is subpoenaed, what must the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Produce it as required by the court order

Answer

Refuse to produce it citing privacy laws

Answer

Destroy the journal before compliance

Answer

Redact all entries before producing it