How long does a Notary have to respond to a request for a journal entry?

A Notary Public in California is required to respond to a request for a journal entry within 15 business days. This timeframe is outlined in California Government Code Section 8206, which specifies the obligations of a notary regarding their journal. Notaries must maintain accurate records of their notarial acts, and when a law enforcement agency, government official, or an individual has a legitimate need to review these records, the notary is mandated to respond in a timely manner.

In this case, the requirement to respond within 15 business days ensures that the requestors are not left waiting indefinitely while still allowing notaries enough time to access and prepare the requested information. This helps ensure accountability and transparency in the notarial process. Other timeframes listed, such as 10 business days, 30 calendar days, or 24 hours, do not align with the legal requirement established in California law.