How should a notary normally record the notarial act date and name in general?

• A. By hand in ink, exactly as the name on the commission and the exact date
• B. By typed font only
• C. With the notary's stamp only
• D. The date is optional

Answer: (A)

Recording the notarial act date and name by hand in ink, exactly as they appear on the commission, is the best practice because it creates a clear, unalterable record of when the act occurred and who performed it. Writing by hand confirms the exact date in the official capacity of the notary and prevents ambiguity or later changes that could occur with typed text or a stamp alone. The notary’s seal authenticates the document, but it does not substitute for accurately documenting the date and the name in the act itself. And the date is not optional—it anchors the time of the act and supports the validity of the notarization.