As an Illinois notary, is it permissible to perform a notarial act without making a journal entry?

In Illinois, it is mandatory for notaries to maintain a journal of all notarial acts they perform. This requirement ensures that there is a reliable record of all transactions and helps to prevent fraud or misconduct by providing accountability and transparency in the notarial process. The journal should include details such as the date of the act, the type of act performed, and the identity of the signers. Not keeping a journal entry can lead to legal consequences and can undermine the integrity of the duties held by a notary. Therefore, performing a notarial act without making a journal entry is not permissible under Illinois law. This reinforces the importance of record-keeping in the notarial practice.