Verified states
Notary journal rules are set by each state, and three states are checked so far: California, Texas and Florida. Each page cites its source. Notary Journal is a journal and fee/mileage log for iPhone, and it is not affiliated with any government office.
California
California requires one active sequential journal, locked and secured, under the notary's exclusive control (Notary Handbook). Read the California page.
Texas
Since September 1, 2025, Texas notary records must be kept until the tenth anniversary of the notarization (SB 693). Read the Texas page, where some details are still being verified.
Florida
Florida Chapter 117 has no general journal requirement for in-person notarizations, while online notaries must keep journals for at least ten years (Chapter 117). Read the Florida page.
States in progress
Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and Oregon are not yet verified, so no rules are stated for them. Each page links the official source we will check and will be filled in once every rule is cited.
Pennsylvania
Still being verified. See the Pennsylvania page.
Nevada
Still being verified. See the Nevada page.
Arizona
Still being verified. See the Arizona page.
Oregon
Still being verified. See the Oregon page.
How we verify
Facts come from the official statute, bill text or state handbook, and each one links to its source. If we could only read a statute through a mirror or could not confirm a point, we do not state it as fact and mark it for checking instead. Always confirm with your state's notary office.
Compare at a glance
Only verified points are shown. "Not yet verified" means we have not confirmed that item.
| State | Journal required | Thumbprint | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes, one active sequential journal (handbook) | For deeds affecting real property and powers of attorney (handbook) | Deliver journals to the county clerk within 30 days after the commission ends (handbook) |
| Texas | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Until the 10th anniversary of the notarization, from September 1, 2025 (SB 693) |
| Florida | No general requirement for in-person acts; online notaries must keep one (Ch. 117) | Not yet verified | Online journals at least 10 years (Ch. 117) |
| Pennsylvania | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Nevada | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Arizona | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Oregon | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
Not legal advice. Check your state's official notary handbook or commissioning office.