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.