Is it necessary for a notary to keep a record of their notarial acts?

A notary is legally required to keep a record of all notarial acts performed. This requirement is established to ensure transparency, accountability, and the ability to provide evidence of the notarial acts if needed in the future. Maintaining a record is crucial for legal purposes, as it provides a history of the transactions that a notary has performed, which can be referenced in cases of dispute or verification of the authenticity of documents.

The record-keeping process serves as a protective measure for both the notary and the public, ensuring that there is a trail to follow should any questions arise about the transactions. This includes capturing details such as the date of the notarization, the type of document, and the parties involved. Compliance with this legal requirement helps maintain the integrity of the notarial profession and upholds public trust.

The other options do not accurately reflect the importance of record-keeping in the notarial profession. It is not optional, nor is it limited to certain types of documents based on their profile or standardization.