JOURNAL REQUIRED

California notary journal requirements

Sequential journal required for all acts; signer thumbprint required for deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust and powers of attorney affecting real property.

JournalRequired for every notarial act
Suggested retention5 years
ID numbers in entriesSealBook records type, state, expiration + last 4 only
ThumbprintRequired for deeds & real-property POAs — built in
Max statutory fee$15.00 per act

What SealBook does for California notaries

Snap the document, scan the ID barcode, signer signs on screen — a complete, tamper-evident journal entry in under 60 seconds, with the retention clock, entry fields, and recording restrictions for your commission handled automatically. Optional evidence mode keeps an encrypted copy of exactly what you notarized, sealed into the record by hash.

Start your California journal free

Summary reviewed against the cited source on July 8, 2026. Laws change — always confirm with your commissioning office.