How long should a Notary Public retain their journal after their commission expires?

A Notary Public is required to retain their journal for five years after their commission expires. This retention period is important as it allows for the potential investigation of notarized transactions that may need to be referenced after the notary's commission has ended. The five-year requirement strikes a balance by ensuring that there is sufficient time for any legal or administrative reviews related to the notarial acts performed while the notary was commissioned.

Retaining the journal is critical, as it preserves a detailed record of significant occasions where the notary's services were utilized, including dates, descriptions of the documents, and the signers' information. This documentation can be vital in resolving disputes or clarifying the authenticity of signatures. Failure to properly retain the journal for the mandated period could result in legal repercussions or accountability issues for the notary public.

The other options suggest different time frames or indefinite retention, which do not comply with the regulations set forth by California law regarding notarial records.