Utah Notary Practice Test

What action must a notary take for every document they notarize?

1. Seal the document with a stamp

2. Record it in their journal

3. Notify the government office

4. Obtain a witness

The correct answer is: Record it in their journal

A notary is required to maintain a journal of their notarial acts, which serves as an official record of all the documents they notarize. This journal is crucial as it provides a detailed account of the transaction, including information such as the date of the notarization, the type of document, the signer's name, and any other relevant details. Recording notarial acts in a journal helps protect both the notary and the signers by documenting the process and ensuring accountability. In the event of a dispute regarding the notarization, the journal can serve as a vital evidence source, aiding in verifying that proper procedures were followed. While sealing the document with a stamp is also a common practice, the primary legal obligation that directly corresponds to ongoing compliance and accountability is the maintenance of the journal. The other options—such as notifying a government office or obtaining a witness—are not universal requirements for every notarization in Utah.