How long must Illinois notaries retain their journal after the last remote notarial act?

In Illinois, notaries public are required to retain their journals of notarial acts for a period of 10 years. This retention period is essential to ensure proper recordkeeping and accountability for notaries, particularly in the context of remote notarial acts, where there may be additional concerns about verification and fraud prevention. By keeping detailed records for at least 10 years, notaries can provide an essential resource for legal and historical reference that may be needed in the future.

This period aligns with best practices in recordkeeping and helps uphold the integrity of notarial services. Maintaining these records allows notaries to respond to inquiries or disputes that may arise concerning remote notarial acts, thereby protecting both the notary and the individuals involved in the transactions.