In-Person Paper/Electronic Notarizations
Am I required by law to maintain a notary journal in Wyoming?
Yes, a notary public in the State of Wyoming must maintain a notary journal.
“A notary public shall maintain one (1) or more journals in which the notary public chronicles all notarial acts that the notary public performs” (WS 32-3-118[d]).
Journal format
Paper/hardbound or electronic journal acceptable
“A journal may be created on a tangible medium or in an electronic format to chronicle all notarial acts, whether those notarial acts are performed regarding tangible or electronic records” (WS 32-3-118[e]).
Journal entry requirements
New legislation created the requirement for a notary in Wyoming to maintain a notary journal, but does not specify what information is required to be captured in the notary journal. Thus, we recommend the industry standard of “best practices”, which includes the following
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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.
Journal retention
Wyoming currently provides no guidance on how long to retain your notary journal entries, so we recommend a minimum of 5 years
What happens to the journal upon resignation or death?
"On the death or adjudication of incompetency of a current or former notary public, the notary public’s personal representative or guardian or any other person knowingly in possession of the notary public’s journal or audiovisual recordings may transmit all journals and recordings to the secretary of state” (WS 32-3-118[k]).
Remote Online Notarizations
Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) approved in the State of Wyoming?
Yes, notaries in the State of Wyoming are authorized to perform remote online notarizations
Remote Ink Notarization in the State of Wyoming
In Wyoming, there are two types of remote notarial acts: remote online notarization and remote ink notarization.
Do I have to record the Remote Online Notarization session?
Yes
“If a notarial act is performed using an electronic notarization system or other form of communication technology, the notarial officer shall make an audiovisual recording of the entire communication” (WS 32-3-118[a]).
What is the retention period for RON recordings?
Wyoming currently provides no guidance on how long to retain your notary journal entries, so we recommend a minimum of 5 years
Do I have to log RON sessions in a journal?
Yes, a notary public in the State of Wyoming must maintain a notary journal for all types of notarial acts, including remote online notarizations and remote ink notarizations
“A notary public shall maintain one (1) or more journals in which the notary public chronicles all notarial acts that the notary public performs” (WS 32-3-118[d]).
Journal format
Paper/hardbound or electronic journal acceptable
“A journal may be created on a tangible medium or in an electronic format to chronicle all notarial acts, whether those notarial acts are performed regarding tangible or electronic records” (WS 32-3-118[e]).
Journal entry requirements
New legislation created the requirement for a notary in Wyoming to maintain a notary journal, but does not specify what information is required to be captured in the notary journal. Thus, we recommend the industry standard of “best practices”, which includes the following
-
Date and time of each notarial act
-
A description of the document and type of notarial act (e.g., Deed of trust, Acknowledgment)
-
The printed full name, signature and address of each person for whom a notarial act is performed
-
A description of the identification document, its serial or identification number and its date of issuance or expiration
-
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.
Reference Links
Helpful resources for Wyoming Notaries
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Wyoming Senate File 29
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Wyoming Notary Handbook
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“A Notary’s Guide to Completing Journal Entries”
Disclaimer
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