Should Arkansas notaries maintain a record of their notarial acts?

In Arkansas, notaries are required by law to maintain a record of their notarial acts. This requirement serves several important functions. First, it creates a formal, verifiable history of the notarizations performed, which can be crucial in legal contexts where the validity of a notarized document might be questioned. Maintaining a record not only enhances the accountability of notaries but also helps protect the interests of the parties involved in the transaction.

The law mandates that notaries keep a journal or log of their activities, detailing each notarization performed, which includes information such as the date, the nature of the act, and the names of the signers. This systematic documentation assists in providing transparency and can serve as evidence should any disputes arise regarding the notarization in the future.

The other choices imply that record-keeping is not obligatory or only necessary in certain situations, which does not align with the legal standards governing notaries in Arkansas. Thus, it's essential for notaries to understand the legal requirement to maintain a record to ensure compliance with state regulations and uphold the integrity of the notarial profession.