Key Takeaways
- Journal is not legally required for traditional notarizations but strongly recommended
- Electronic journal is REQUIRED for remote online notarization
- Journal provides legal protection for the notary
- RON journal must be retained for 10 years
- Journal should be kept secure from unauthorized access
Last updated: January 2026
Journal Requirements
Under G.S. 10B-38, North Carolina notaries "may" maintain a journal for traditional notarial acts. However, for remote online notarization (RON), an electronic journal is required.
Traditional Notarization: Journal Optional but Recommended
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Legally Required | No |
| Recommended | Yes, strongly |
| Provides Protection | Yes |
| Evidence in Disputes | Yes |
Benefits of Keeping a Journal
Even though not required, a journal provides:
- Evidence that proper procedures were followed
- Protection against fraud allegations
- Record of fees collected
- Professional documentation
- Defense in lawsuits
Remote Online Notarization: Journal Required
For RON, North Carolina requires:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Electronic Journal | Required for all RON acts |
| Retention Period | Minimum 10 years |
| Security | Must be secure and tamper-evident |
| Audio-Video Recording | Required and must be retained |
What to Record in a Journal
If maintaining a journal (required for RON, recommended for all):
| Entry Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Notarization | When the act was performed |
| Time | Approximate time of notarization |
| Type of Act | Acknowledgment, jurat, oath, etc. |
| Document Type | Description of the document |
| Principal's Name | Name of the signer |
| Principal's Address | Address of the signer |
| ID Type | Type of identification presented |
| ID Details | ID number, expiration, issuing state |
| Fee Charged | Amount collected |
| Signature/Thumbprint | Principal's signature (thumbprint optional) |
Journal Entry Example
| Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Date | January 10, 2026 |
| Time | 2:30 PM |
| Act Type | Acknowledgment |
| Document | Real Estate Deed |
| Principal | Jane Smith |
| Address | 123 Main St, Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| ID Type | NC Driver's License |
| ID Number | 123456789 |
| ID Expiration | 05/15/2028 |
| Fee | $10.00 |
Journal Security
| Security Measure | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Keep journal secure | Prevent unauthorized access |
| Never leave unattended | Protect sensitive information |
| Use bound journal | Prevent page removal |
| Permanent ink | Prevent alterations |
| Store safely | Protect from loss or theft |
RON Recording Requirements
For remote online notarization:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio-Video Recording | Entire RON session must be recorded |
| Retention | Minimum 10 years |
| Storage | Secure, tamper-evident |
| Access | Available upon lawful request |
Key Points for the Exam
- Traditional notarization: Journal optional but recommended
- RON: Electronic journal REQUIRED
- Retention: RON records kept 10 years
- Benefits: Protection, evidence, professionalism
- Security: Keep journal secure and use permanent ink
Test Your Knowledge
Is a journal legally required for traditional (paper) notarizations in North Carolina?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
How long must records from remote online notarization (RON) be retained?
A
B
C
D