How long must signed acknowledgment statements be retained by a notary?

Notaries in Illinois are required to retain signed acknowledgment statements for a period of two years after the date of notarization. This retention period allows for proper documentation and accountability, ensuring that notary records are available for review should questions arise regarding the notarization. Retaining records for two years balances the need for record-keeping with the practicality of not storing documents indefinitely.

The choice of two years is in line with the statutory regulations governing notary practices in Illinois, allowing notaries to meet legal requirements while also managing records efficiently. Not retaining these documents for the full two years could lead to challenges in verifying past transactions or defending the integrity of a notarization, thereby potentially exposing the notary to liability.