VA Notary Notary Journals and Record Keeping

Question 1

Is a Virginia notary required by law to maintain a notary journal?

Accepted Answer

No, but it is strongly recommended as a best practice

Answer

Yes, it is mandated for all acts

Answer

Only for real estate transactions

Answer

Only for electronic notarizations

Question 2

Which format is recommended for a Virginia notary's paper journal?

Accepted Answer

A bound book with pre-numbered pages that cannot be altered

Answer

A spiral notebook

Answer

Any lined notebook from a store

Answer

A digital spreadsheet

Question 3

What information should a Virginia notary record in their journal for each act?

Accepted Answer

Date, type of act, document type, signer name, and form of ID used

Answer

Only the document type

Answer

Only the signer's name and date

Answer

The full document contents

Question 4

How long should a Virginia notary retain their journal after their commission expires?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

3 years

Answer

10 years

Question 5

If a Virginia notary's journal is lost or stolen, they should:

Accepted Answer

Report it to law enforcement and notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth

Answer

Wait to see if it is found before taking action

Answer

Simply begin a new journal

Answer

Report only to their employer

Question 6

A notary journal primarily protects the notary by:

Accepted Answer

Providing a contemporaneous record that can defend against false claims of improper notarization

Answer

Increasing their fee schedule

Answer

Allowing them to notarize remotely

Answer

Serving as a legal contract