Electronic Journal (e-Journal)
Last updated September 06, 2025
Tags: Rules & Regulations
Can an e-journal be used as the sole journal for in-person notarizations in California?
An electronic journal may be used exclusively.
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Where can I get an e-Journal?
You can get an e-Journal right here on NotaryCentral! Our e-Journal provides a secure, guided, and affordable solution.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Choose the tools that work best for your notary needs
e-Journal Free
Start with your first 5 entries free
No credit card required- Digital e-Journal
- Mobile app access
- Email support
e-Journal Plus (Yearly)
Unlimited entries and full access
Unlimited entries- Digital e-Journal
- Mobile app access
- Email support
How does Notary Central's e-Journal compare to other options?
| Feature | NotaryCentral | Other e-Journals | Hard cover bound book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extensive safeguards to prevent mistakes | ✅ The app is meticulously configured to have state-specific validations and features in place | ❌ Minimal amount of guardrails | ❌ No guardrails |
| Non-messy thumbprint capture | ✅ It's digital | ✅ It's digital | ❌ Stains happen |
| Affordable price | ✅ $20 / year, unlimited entries | ❌ $168 / year, unlimited entries | ✅ $30 per 300 entries |
| Works without an internet connection | ✅ Works even if you're signed out of the app | 🟡 You need to be signed in to the app and the app consistently logs you out | ✅ |
| Enables hiding sensitive info | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ How you protect sensitive info is up to you |
| Lets you register interpreters | ✅ | ❌ You can workaround by adding them under "Additional notes" but it looks messy and is editable after finalizing | ✅ |
| Lets you register witnesses | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lets you create daily backups that get stored directly on your device | ✅ | ❌ Not applicable | |
| Lets you extract ID info with a picture | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lets you set an "on decease" note | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Creates receipts | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 Some do |
| Easy to prove authenticity of journal entry | ✅ Tamper-evident hash strategy plus automatic timestamps enables high confidence | 🟡 Depends on the tool | ❌ Entries can be quietly erased, raising suspicion |
Works On These Devices
Can I capture thumbprints?
✅ Yes. Learn more.
Is there training material to get started?
✅ Yes. Find it here.
FAQ
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Can I use this e-Journal for my Remote Online Notarization appointments?
✅ Yes. The app lets you indicate the platform used and a unique identifier to the signing session.
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Are e-Journal entries tamper-evident?
Yes, entries in NotaryCentral's e-Journal are tamper-evident. Once an entry is saved, a secure tamper-evident hash is created, locking the record. If any part of the entry is altered later, the hash will no longer match, clearly indicating tampering.
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How does NotaryCentral make sure my journal data doesn't get lost?
NotaryCentral offers several lines of defense. First, all data is automatically backed up in a second cloud provider in case an (unlikely) disaster happens to the first one. Second, we offer a "Backup" button that exports all the journal data in its original form to your device. We highly encourage you to use it for added protection.
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How long does NotaryCentral host my journal?
Indefinitely. We will only remove journals upon written request.
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What happens if I don't have internet connection?
You can create journal entries without an internet connection and even when you are signed out. Once you regain access to the internet you can sync your entries.
Disclaimer
Always consult your state's guidelines before proceeding as rules and regulations may change at any time.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.