Resources > Glossary > Journal Entry

Glossary of Notary Public, Mortgage, Signing Agent, and Loan Signing Terms.

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Common Terms 1   Common Terms 2

Journal Entry

Function: noun

An entry in the notary's bound and sequential notary journal. Each signature on each notarized document is required to have an accompanying journal entry. For example, if a husband and wife each sign two documents, that would constitute four notarized signatures, and there should be four corresponding journal entries too. Each journal entry needs to be signed by the corresponding document signer. Additionally, its prudent and sometimes legally required for the notary to keep an impression of the signers right thumbprint in the journal of notarial acts. Its very important for each journal entry to have a thumbprint, especially for deeds effecting real property, because that is a sure-fire way to determine the identity of the signer in case fraud is suspected. Having thumbprints can also keep the notary out of court in many cases should a case arrise due to suspicion of forgery.