How long must you retain your electronic journal after the last electronic notarial act?

The correct duration for retaining your electronic journal after the last electronic notarial act in Illinois is seven years. This requirement is in place to ensure that there is a comprehensive record of all notarial acts performed, which can be important for verification and accountability purposes. Retaining the journal for this period allows for any potential disputes or questions regarding the notarial acts to be addressed with accurate documentation.

The rationale behind this specific timeframe balances the need for record-keeping with practicality, ensuring that notaries can have access to past records if needed while not requiring them to retain records indefinitely, which could become burdensome. Proper retention of notarial records is key to maintaining the integrity of the notarial process and protecting both the notary public and the public they serve.