Utah Notary Practice Test

Upon completing a notarial act, what is the notary's obligation regarding their journal?

1. To keep it private at all times

2. To record the details of the act performed

3. To return it to the signer

4. To destroy it after a year

The correct answer is: To record the details of the act performed

Upon completing a notarial act, the notary's primary obligation is to record the details of the act performed in their journal. This is crucial because a notary's journal serves as an official record that documents each notarial act, including key information such as the date, type of act, parties involved, and any relevant details that may be needed for future reference. Maintaining an accurate and detailed journal helps ensure transparency and accountability, which are essential aspects of the notarial process. This record may be necessary for validating the notarial act if questioned or if any disputes arise later. Other options do not reflect the responsibilities outlined in notary guidelines. Keeping the journal completely private is important, but it does not encompass the notary's duty to actively record the acts performed. Returning the journal to the signer is not permissible; the journal must remain with the notary. Lastly, destroying the journal after a year contradicts the retention requirements that often mandate keeping it for several years, ensuring ongoing access to records when needed.