What Address Do I Record In My Notary Journal?

If a signer’s address on their ID is not the same as their current address, which address do you record in your journal? — R.S., Arizona

The statute (ARS 41-319) only requires the “address” of each person for whom a notarial act is performed. However, the Arizona Secretary of State’s Notary Public Reference Manual suggests, “To ensure accurate documentation of identification information, the Notary should record the signer’s name and address in his or her journal as provided on the ID.”

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 counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Additional Resources:

How To Complete A Journal Entry

11 Comments

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Nancy

01 Aug 2016

I only notarize papers of people I work with and they have always insisted I put their work address and that is what I've always done? Am I wrong?

National Notary Association

Hello Nancy. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Vickee Donoho

I'm from California. When taking the seminar, I was told the signer's address wasn't even one of the journal items required. Also, what good is an address on an ID if the person no longer lives there. Why not use their current address?

02 Aug 2016

Hello. Different states have different requirements regarding what information must be recorded in a journal entry. The original question was asked by a Notary from Arizona, which does require an address in the journal entry. The recommendation in the article is provided in a publication of the Arizona Secretary of State's office.

Saida

07 Aug 2016

How To notarize apostile?

09 Aug 2016

Hello. An apostille authenticates a notarization on a document. More information can be found in this article: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/07/notary-basics-understanding-apostilles

Angi

17 Feb 2017

If a signer’s address on their ID is not the same as their current address, which address do I record in my journal? LA, California

Bella

27 Jan 2022

Do I put physical or mailing address in my journal of signer? I’m in the state of Missouri and if the address on the DL is not correct do I put the corrected one or the one listed on the DL?

28 Jan 2022

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Noel

05 Jan 2023

If I notarize for coworkers only and I put their work address, is this incorrect? I am in Pennsylvania.

03 Feb 2023

The law for journal entries only indicates “The full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed.” That being the case, you can use any address provided by the signer.

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