Key Takeaways
- Connecticut does NOT legally require notaries to maintain a journal
- The Secretary of State STRONGLY recommends keeping a journal
- A journal provides critical protection in case of legal disputes
- Best practices include logging date, document type, signer name, and ID method
- Use a bound book or secure electronic journal for record keeping
Last updated: January 2026
Journal Requirements
Legal Requirement
Connecticut law does NOT require notaries public to maintain a journal of their notarial acts. This applies to both:
- Traditional (in-person) notarizations
- Remote online notarizations
Strong Recommendation from Secretary of State
Despite no legal requirement, the Secretary of State strongly recommends that all Connecticut notaries maintain a chronological journal of their notarial acts.
Why Keep a Journal?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Legal protection | Evidence that notarial acts were performed properly |
| Liability defense | Documentation if your acts are questioned |
| Memory aid | Record of past notarizations |
| Professionalism | Demonstrates due diligence |
| Fraud detection | Helps identify suspicious patterns |
Important: If a notarial act is called into question in court or another proceeding, a properly completed notary journal may be critical evidence to show that the notarial act was performed properly.
Recommended Journal Entries
Best practices for journal entries include recording:
| Information | Why It's Important |
|---|---|
| Date and time | When the notarization occurred |
| Type of notarial act | Acknowledgment, jurat, oath, etc. |
| Document type | What was notarized |
| Signer's name | Who appeared before you |
| Identification method | Personal knowledge or ID type |
| Signer's signature | Thumbprint optional |
| Signer's address | For contact if needed |
| Fees charged | Amount collected |
Journal Format Options
| Format | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Bound book | Traditional, tamper-evident, easy to use |
| Electronic journal | Searchable, backup capability, requires security |
| Loose-leaf pages | NOT recommended (can be removed/altered) |
Journal for Remote Notarizations
For remote online notarizations, the state recommends additional documentation:
| Additional Information | Reason |
|---|---|
| Location of signer | Where they were during the session |
| Communication method | Platform used (Zoom, etc.) |
| Recording retention | Whether video was saved |
Test Your Knowledge
Does Connecticut law require notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts?
A
B
C
D