When can a notary public provide their journal entries to a third party?

A notary public in Illinois must adhere to specific regulations regarding the disclosure of their journal entries, which contain sensitive information about notarial acts performed. The correct approach for a notary to provide journal entries to a third party is only upon a written request that includes specific details. This requirement ensures that the request is documented and that the notary has a clear understanding of what information is being sought. It protects both the notary and the individuals involved by establishing accountability and security for the information contained in the journal.

The importance of having a written request with specific details lies in safeguarding the privacy of the parties involved in the notarial acts. This process helps eliminate misunderstandings and potential abuse of the notary's records, providing a clear legal framework for access to this sensitive data. In contrast, other options do not establish sufficient criteria for the request, which could lead to unauthorized or inappropriate sharing of confidential information.