When must an Arkansas notary keep a journal of their notarizations?

An Arkansas notary is required to keep a journal of all notarizations they perform. This practice serves several essential purposes: it helps maintain a detailed record of the actions taken, provides accountability, and protects both the notary and the public by creating a transparent documentation trail.

The requirement to keep a journal encompasses every notarization, enabling notaries to provide clear evidence of their activities if questioned or if a dispute arises regarding a notarization. This is particularly important because some transactions may later be scrutinized for authenticity or validity.

Keeping a journal for all notarizations also helps establish a routine for the notary and ensures that they consistently follow the necessary legal procedures. This record-keeping is vital in maintaining the integrity of the notarial process and upholding the trust placed in notaries by the public.