Kentucky Notary Public Handbook And Forms (Page 7 of 16) in pdf

21. Is a notary record or journal required?

Although many states require a journal by law, Kentucky does not. However, it is advisable to keep a record book of official acts

because a journal provides documentation of the notary’s personal knowledge of performance of the notarization.

22. What physical characteristics should a journal have?

The journal should be bound with pre-numbered pages to deter unauthorized removal of pages. There should be entry space to record

all pertinent information. The journal should be completed before the notarization.

23. What information should be recorded in a journal?

A. The document signer’s signature

B. Date and time of the notarization

C. Date of the document

D. Type of notarization performed and type of document notarized

E. Document signer’s address

F. Statement on how the notary verified the signer’s identity

G. The fee, if any, charged for the notarial act

H. Special comments about the transaction

24. What features of an ID or papers should a notary examine when verifying identification?

A notary should examine the ID for three features:

1. A photo of the bearer; and

2. Accurate physical description of the bearer; and

3. Signature of the bearer

25. Can fees be charged for notarizations?

Yes. The fees of notaries public are set per KRS 64.300. See page 16 for complete fee schedule.

26. Can a notary be liable for notarial misconduct?

A notary is liable for all damages sustained as a result of the notary’s errors, omissions, neglect, improper performance of duty, or

misconduct in performing a duty. The notary not only is liable for civil damages as a result of misconduct, but is also liable to criminal

prosecution if he or she signs a false or fraudulent certificate.

27. Can the date of a notarization be different from the actual date the notarization was made?

No. The date of the notarization should always be the date the notarization was made, which should be the day the signer actually

appeared in person for the notarial act. A notary should not backdate notarizations.

If a notary is signing a certificate of acknowledgment, the document’s date of signing does not have to match the certificate date. The

document could have been signed several months earlier.

If a notary is signing a jurat, the document’s date must always be the same date as the date of the notarization, since the affiant must

always sign the document in the notary’s presence.

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Kentucky Notary Public Handbook And Forms Page 7