I understand that after my death or end of my commission, my journals need to be turned into the County Clerk. But since I have been a notary for over 20 years, I have journals stacking up. What must/can I do with them? — C.R., California

The journal(s) are your exclusive property and must be kept locked and secured until you resign your Notary commission, you are disqualified from being a Notary, your commission is revoked, or you allow your commission to expire without obtaining reappointment within 30 days (Government Code Section 8209[a]). At that time you would deposit the journals from all of your commission terms with the county clerk of the county in which your oath of office is on file.

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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