Short answer: it depends on the state
Journal rules are set state by state. California requires a sequential journal, Texas requires a record of each notarization, and Florida has no general journal requirement for in-person notaries. See the state pages, and check your own handbook.
California: required
Yes. California requires one active, sequential journal, locked and secured, under the notary's exclusive control (Gov Code 8206(a)(1)). Source: California Notary Public Handbook. See California.
Texas: records required
Yes, records are required. Gov Code 406.014 requires records of notarizations in a book and allows electronic storage. Source: Texas Government Code Chapter 406 . See Texas.
Florida: optional for in-person, required for online
Not generally for in-person acts. Chapter 117 has no general journal requirement for non-online notarizations, while online notaries must keep secure electronic journals (117.245). Source: Florida Statutes Chapter 117. See Florida.
Keep one even when it is optional
Yes, keeping a journal is a sensible habit even where it is optional. A record of each act, with the fee, helps you answer questions later. For other states, check the statute or handbook, for example A.R.S. 41-319 for Arizona . See what to record.
What to do if a journal is lost or stolen
In California, notify the Secretary of State immediately by certified or registered mail (Gov Code 8206(b)). Source: California Notary Public Handbook. For other states, ask your commissioning office .
Does an electronic notarization go in the journal?
In Florida, online notaries must keep secure electronic journals (Florida Statutes Chapter 117). For other states, check your handbook . See retention and the compare page.
Ready to keep your entries in one place? Get the iOS app for Notary Journal, a notary journal and fee and mileage log for iPhone.
Not legal advice. Check your state's notary handbook or commissioning office before you rely on any summary here.