Who is primarily responsible for the security of the notary's journal?

The responsibility for the security of the notary's journal lies primarily with the notary public themselves. This is because the notary journal contains sensitive information, including details of all notarizations performed, and it provides a record of the notary's professional conduct. Given the significance of the journal as an essential tool for preventing fraud and ensuring accountability, it is imperative for the notary to safeguard it against unauthorized access, loss, or theft.

The notary must maintain this journal in a secure location, ensure that access is limited to authorized individuals only, and follow any applicable laws regarding the retention and disposal of the journal once it is no longer in use. Notaries have a legal obligation to protect the confidentiality of the information contained in their journals, thereby underscoring their duty to take the necessary precautions for its security. Other options involve entities or individuals who do not have the same level of direct responsibility for the notary's journal.