Is a Pennsylvania Notary required to maintain a journal of their activities?

In Pennsylvania, a notary public is indeed required to maintain a notary journal for record-keeping purposes. This journal serves as an official record of notarial acts performed, which is crucial for accountability and transparency. Maintaining a journal helps protect the notary and the individuals they serve by providing documentation that can be referenced in case of disputes or questions regarding notarizations.

The notarial journal should include specific information about each transaction, such as the date and time of the notarial act, the details of the document being notarized, the identification of the signer, and any other relevant details. This requirement aligns with best practices in notarial law and serves to bolster the integrity of the notarization process in Pennsylvania.

Having a journal is not optional but rather a mandated aspect of a notary public's responsibilities in the state. While electronic records could be utilized in other contexts, they do not replace the necessity of having a physical journal as stipulated by Pennsylvania law for notarial activities.