How many journals can a Notary keep active at one time?

A Notary Public in California is required to maintain a journal of notarial acts, and according to the regulations, a Notary may only keep one active journal at a time. This journal serves as a vital record of every notarial act performed and is essential for legal and accountability purposes.

Having only one active journal helps ensure consistency and accuracy in record-keeping, as it prevents confusion or errors that could arise from managing multiple journals simultaneously. This single journal must be kept secure and retained for a duration specified by law, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear and organized record for each Notary Public's activities.

While it is possible to have additional journals for future use or for previous acts if an existing journal is full, only one should be active during any given time. This regulation helps standardize the practices of Notaries and protects the integrity of their notarizations.