I’ve been brushing up on Notary skills using “The Complete How-To Guide for Notaries” and it mentioned that I need to refer to the Notary Handbook to see if my state allows thumbprints in the Notary journal entry. I can’t find any reference in the Colorado Notary Handbook as to whether this is allowed or not. Can you please advise on this? — T.B. , Colorado
Colorado does not require, nor prohibit a thumbprint being added to the Notary journal.
California is the only state that requires a signer’s thumbprint for journal entries, and only when the notarized document is a power of attorney, deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust or other document affecting real property.
In any state where thumbprints are not mandatory for journal entries, Notaries should respect a signer’s privacy if a signer chooses not to provide a thumbprint for the journal.
Because of increasing identity theft and growing public concern over the protection of personally identifiable and private information, the NNA recommends that Notaries not ask individuals for a journal entry thumbprint unless specifically required for the notarization. For more information, please see our article on 3 important things Notaries need to know about journal thumbprints.
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors
Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.