How long must a notary journal be retained by the notary after the last recorded notarial act?

In Illinois, a notary public is required to retain their notary journal for a minimum of ten years after the last recorded notarial act. This retention period is critical for several reasons, including providing a record of the notarial activities in case of disputes or legal inquiries that may arise in the future. Keeping a journal for this duration helps to maintain accountability and transparency in notarial duties, ensuring that the actions of the notary can be verified if necessary.

The other options do not meet the legal requirements set forth by the Illinois notary statutes regarding record retention. Each of the incorrect durations fails to align with the established guidelines, which specifically stipulate a ten-year retention period. Understanding this timeline is vital for any notary public to ensure compliance with the law and the proper handling of their records.