Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What is the required action for a notary after completing a notarization?

1. Notify the authorities

2. Complete their journal entry

3. File the document with the state

4. Contact the signer for follow-up

The correct answer is: Complete their journal entry

The correct action required for a notary after completing a notarization is to complete their journal entry. Keeping a detailed journal or log of notarial acts is a critical practice for notaries in Ohio. This journal serves multiple purposes: it establishes a record of the notarial act performed, helps provide proof of the notary's activities, and can be referenced in case of any disputes regarding the notarized documents. Completing the journal entry includes recording pertinent details such as the date, type of notarization performed, the names and signatures of the parties involved, and any other relevant information. This practice not only secures the notary's accountability but also enhances the integrity of the notarization process. Filing the document with the state is not a requirement for notaries in Ohio. Instead, the responsibility typically lies with the document's owner or the party requesting the notarization. Notifying the authorities or contacting the signer for follow-up are also not standard procedures following a notarization, as the role of the notary concludes once the notarization is completed and the document is returned to the signer.