What are notaries always prohibited from doing with their journals?

Notaries are prohibited from altering an entry in their journals once it has been made. This crucial rule is in place to ensure the integrity and reliability of the notary's records. Every entry in a notary's journal serves as an official record of the notarial acts performed, and any alteration could undermine the authenticity of those records.

The purpose of the journal is to provide clear and accurate documentation of all notarizations, which can be critical for legal and administrative purposes. If a notary could alter an entry, it would create a potential for fraud or misrepresentation, thereby diminishing the trust placed in the notarial process. This prohibition helps maintain transparency and accountability in notarial practices.

In contrast, adding extra entries is not a violation as long as they are for appropriate and legitimate transactions. Keeping online records is permissible under certain regulations, provided the notary adheres to state laws regarding such practices. Filling out the journal in pen is also acceptable for maintaining legibility and preventing unauthorized changes. Thus, the prohibition specifically targets the act of altering existing entries, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in notarial records.