What do I write in my notary journal?

New Jersey journal entry checklist

Required for every act

A journal of all notarial acts, one journal at a time for paper and electronic acts (N.J.A.C. 17:50-1.11; Notary Public Manual, chapter 6). Attorneys, and employees of attorneys or licensed title insurers, may keep files regularly maintained for their practice instead. Remote and electronic acts go in the same single journal.

Required entries · Every notarial act

• Date and time of the act
• Type of notarial act
• Name and address of each person
• Whether identity rested on personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence
• For an ID: a brief description of the method and the credential, with its type, issue date and expiration date
• For an identifying witness: the witness's name and signature
• An itemized list of all fees charged

Also check

• ID number: Not a listed entry. The Manual asks for the credential's type and dates, not its number.
• Signature: Not a listed entry. The Manual does not say the signer signs the journal; an identifying witness's signature is recorded.
• Keep it: 10 years after the last notarial act in the journal, or write to the State Treasurer for secure transmission instructions.
• When your commission ends: On resignation, revocation or suspension: keep it 10 years after the last act, or write to the State Treasurer for transmission instructions. On death or incompetency, the personal representative or guardian writes to the State Treasurer within 45 days.

Sources: New Jersey Notary Public Manual, chapter 6 (Journal Requirement), checked November 6, 2026. General information, not legal advice.

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