New York Now Requires Notaries to Use a Journal

New York  Requires Notaries to Use a Journal

Effective January 25^th, New York State requires notaries public to record their service in a Journal. It is requisite to record the type of identification provided by the client. Most journals have a space for this, but it is wise to check and make sure, when buying a new journal, that it contains a box for this information. Also, you must keep your journal for ten years.

Previously, a journal was not required. It was merely recommended. So, this is a big shift in the state’s policy. However, many states already had this requirement in their law.

New York is also allowing for remote notarizations as of January 31^st, 2023. We have a couple of blogs on these changes to remote notarization, right here at notarynewyork.org. Information on these changes can be found at the New York Department of State. Scroll down the page to see these updates to the notary law.

By the way, if you are looking to buy a journal, you can find many suppliers online. We recommend checking out the American Association of Notaries website.

About Keeping Notary Records

As mentioned above, we are now required to keep our logbook for ten years. It is very important to comply with this regulation. Ask yourself, what would happen if seven years later a litigation took place and you no longer have your logbook. Well, we can tell you what would happen would not be pleasant. First, you would be in violation of your duties as a notary. Second, since notaries have liability, you could be subject to being a defendant in the litigation just mentioned. To make matters worse, if you trashed your logbook, you wouldn’t have any documentation related to the notarial service in question. Hence, you have nothing to defend yourself with. So, obey the new law and keep that log book for ten years. Also, know What to Record in a Notary Journal.

We hope you find this article informative. Since the change in the law occurred only recently, there is not yet much available on this subject online. But, we’re sure that will change soon.

If you want to become a New York Notary Public, we offer Notary Public training that is favorably priced. You are welcome to enroll.