Is a Georgia notary required to keep a notarial journal?

• A. Yes; it is mandatory to keep a journal.
• B. No; it is not required to keep a journal.
• C. Only for certain acts.
• D. No; it is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended.

Answer: (D)

In Georgia, keeping a notarial journal is not a legal requirement for every act. The practice is not mandated by statute, but it is strongly recommended as a best practice. A journal provides a reliable record of each notarization, including details like the date and time, type of act, a description of the document, the signer’s name and address, the identification presented, and the signer’s signature. This contemporaneous log helps establish a clear, verifiable trail if questions arise later about the notarization, protecting both the signer and the notary from disputes or liability. So, while you are not required by law to maintain a journal, doing so is highly advisable and commonly encouraged.