In-Person Paper/Electronic Notarizations

Am I required by law to maintain a notary journal in Nevada?

Yes, a notary public in the State of Nevada must maintain a notary journal.

(NRS 240.120.1)

Journal format

In-person paper notarizations

“The journal must … [b]e in a bound volume with preprinted page numbers” (NRS 240.120.6[b]).

In-person electronic notarizations

"An electronic notary public shall keep an electronic journal of each electronic notarial act which includes, without limitation..." (NRS 240.201)

Journal entry requirements

• “(a) The fees charged, if any;

• (b) The title of the document;

• (c) The date on which the notary public performed the act;

• (d) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the name and signature of the person whose signature is being notarized;

• (e) Subject to the provisions of subsection 4, a description of the evidence used by the notary public to verify the identification of the person whose signature is being notarized;

• (f) An indication of whether the notary public administered an oath; and

• (g) The type of certificate used to evidence the notarial act, as required pursuant to NRS 240.1655” (NRS 240.120.1).

NOTE

"An electronic notary public shall keep an electronic journal of each electronic notarial act which includes, without limitation, the requirements of subsections 1 and 5 of NRS 240.120, but does not include the electronic signatures of the person for whom the electronic notarial act was performed and any witnesses." (NRS 240.201)

Journal retention

7 years

“A notary public shall retain each journal that the notary public has kept pursuant to this section until 7 years after the date on which he or she ceases to be a notary public” (NRS 240.120.9).