To my understanding, nobody but me can see the contents of the journal, not even my employer. I would like to know what I can do in the case that my employer is asking me to look through my journal of notarial acts? — M. A., Maryland
Maryland law does not specifically address the issue of inspection of Notary journals in its Notary statutes. As a professional standard of practice, you may allow your employer to inspect and make copies of journal entries of notarial acts related to its business operations as long as you are present when they inspect or copy your journal. However, your employer does not have the right to copy or inspect any entries for notarial acts you perform outside your employment.
For more information on different state rules regarding access to Notary journals, please see our article on handling requests to see Notary journal entries and our article on using your Notary seal and journal at work.
For Notary Signing Agents, please see our article on who may ask to view to a Signing Agent’s journal.
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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