Some states require them, some states don’t; but we highly recommend all notaries keep a detailed record of every notarization they perform! Keeping a record book follows best notarial practices, remind you of the proper steps to take during a notarization, can protect you against claims and may also refresh your memory is ever called in to testify. For every notarization, we recommend you record the following information:
- Signer’s name and signature, address and phone number
- Date if the notarization
- Type of document to be notarized (affidavit, deed, etc.)
- Type of notarial act performed (acknowledgment/oath)
- Type of identification presented with description if the signer is not personally know. If the signer is personally known, make note of this in your record book
- If credible witnesses are used for identification, add a separate entry noting their names and collecting a signature. List the credible witnesses on the original entry for reference
- If the document was executed on a different day than the notarization, make note of that date
- Names, addresses and signatures of any witnesses
- The fee charged for the notarization
- Any other notes regarding the notarization