What is typically recommended for a notary to do with their journal?

A notary's journal is a critical legal document that contains the records of all notarial acts performed. Keeping the journal secure and confidential is essential for several reasons. First, it helps protect the privacy and personal information of the signers involved in notarial acts. Public access to this information could lead to identity theft or misuse of sensitive data.

While it's important for notaries to maintain their journals, there is typically no requirement to submit them to the Secretary of State annually. Such a submission would risk exposing individuals’ private information. Making the journal publicly accessible would also compromise the confidentiality of the signers' personal data, which is why it is not recommended. Sharing the journal with fellow notaries for cross-reference could lead to unauthorized access and further breaches of confidentiality.

Therefore, keeping the journal secure and confidential aligns with best practices for notaries, ensuring that they uphold their ethical and legal responsibilities while protecting the interests of the public they serve.