If a customer has multiple documents that need to be notarized, could I complete one entry in the journal for all the documents, or do I have to do multiple entries and have the customer sign each one? — K.R., Texas
Each notarization must have a separate entry in your journal. However, signatures are not required by the state of Texas in the journal entries. While you must have an entry for each document, Texas law does not prohibit you from utilizing shortcuts to lessen the time it takes to make the entries. For example, if you use the NNA’s Official Journal of Notarial Acts, you may use ditto marks in successive columns for information that is the same for each entry (the time and date, name and address of signer, identification method, etc.). However, not every state permits the use of ditto marks. California, for example, prohibits the use of ditto marks for journal entries.
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
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