If you resign your notary commission, for how long are you required to retain your journal records?

When a notary resigns their commission, they are legally required to retain their journal records for a period of 7 years. This requirement is in place to ensure that there is a documented record of all notarial acts performed, which can be essential for verification, legal purposes, or resolving disputes that may arise after the notary has ceased their duties.

Keeping the journal for this specified period helps to maintain transparency and accountability in notarial practices. It ensures that individuals and entities who may need to reference the notarial acts have access to the information within that timeframe, aligning with regulations that safeguard the integrity of notarial services.

The other time frames listed do not meet the legal requirements set forth in Illinois for the retention of notary journals after resignation. Therefore, the correct duration reflects the state's commitment to create a structured and reliable framework for notarial records.