In-Person Paper Notarizations
Am I required by law to maintain a notary journal in Wisconsin?
No, a notary public in the State of Wisconsin is not required to maintain a notary journal. However, if remote online notarizations are legal in the State of Wisconsin and the notary public is performing online notarizations, they may want to check any specific guidelines surrounding record keeping for remote online notarizations.
Recommended best practices for notary journals
Although the State of Wisconsin does not require a notary public to complete a notary journal by law under most circumstances,
the following pieces of information are considered “best practice” to collect in a notary journal
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Date and time of each notarial act
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A description of the document and type of notarial act (e.g., Deed of trust, Acknowledgment)
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The printed full name, signature and address of each person for whom a notarial act is performed.
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A description of the identification document, its serial or identification number and its date of issuance or expiration
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The fee charged for the notarial service
It is important to remember that these “best practices” are just recommendations, and that a notary can include more or less information as long as they remain compliant with their State code.
Remote Online Notarizations
Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) approved in the State of Wisconsin?
Yes, notaries in the State of Wisconsin are authorized to perform remote online notarizations.
Do I have to record the Remote Online Notarization session?
Yes
“[t]he notary public, or a person acting on behalf of the notary public, creates an audiovisual recording of the performance of the notarial act” (WS 140.145[3][c]).
What is the retention period for RON recordings?
7 years
“A notary public, a guardian, conservator, or agent of a notary public, or a personal representative of a deceased notary public shall retain the audio-visual recording created under [WS 140.145] sub. (3) (c) or cause the recording to be retained by a repository designated by or on behalf of the person required to retain the recording. Unless a different period is required by rule promulgated under sub. [WS 140.145] (8) (d), the recording must be retained for a period of at least 7 years after the recording is made” (WS 140.145[6]).
Do I have to log RON sessions in a journal?
No, West Virginia notaries aren't required to keep records of remote online notarizations in a journal
Reference Links
Helpful resources for Wisconsin Notaries
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Wisconsin Notary Public Information
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Chapter 140 of Wisconsin Statutes pertaining to notaries
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“A Notary’s Guide to Completing Journal Entries”
Disclaimer
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