What is one of the responsibilities of a Notary regarding their records?

Maintaining records securely and confidentially is a fundamental responsibility of a Notary Public. This ensures that sensitive information contained within notarial acts is protected from unauthorized access and disclosure. Proper management of records not only upholds the integrity of the notarial process but also protects the privacy of individuals whose documents have been notarized.

Notaries must keep their journals of notarial acts in a safe place, as they may contain personal information, including names, addresses, and the details of the transactions. By restricting access to these records and ensuring their confidentiality, Notaries comply with state laws and ethical obligations, which helps maintain public trust in the notarial system.

Other options do not align with the ethical standards and legal requirements governing notarial practice. For example, keeping records indefinitely without any order lacks accountability and organization; allowing unrestricted access could lead to breaches of confidentiality, and using records for personal use would violate ethical guidelines and could result in legal repercussions.