Electronic journal for notaries

Every notarization. One organized journal.

Record the act, signer details, and documents in one guided journal. Built for independent notaries and notary teams, from your phone to your desktop.

Start your journal See how it works

Electronic journal rules vary by state and province. Check the guidance below before choosing your recordkeeping workflow.

Guided entry creation
Offline entry capture
PDF exports & backups

Actual NotaryCentral app: a saved Pennsylvania journal entry with fictional notary, signer, and document details. Open for a full-size view.

01 / Record the act

Move from notarization details to a saved entry.

Follow the mobile workflow, then review the completed record in your journal.

1
Start with the notarization
Record when and where the act took place, your commission, the document, and the fee.
2
Bring the people into the record
Add the signer and identification method, plus witnesses or interpreters when applicable.
3
Review before finalizing
Check the entry details together before completing the record.

Start your journal

Recorded in the app with sample data. Camera capture, barcode scanning, and thumbprint capture are simulated; optional fields depend on your journal layout and jurisdiction.

Watch the mobile journal walkthrough

02 / Capture signer details

Keep identification and signatures with the act.

Configure the information your journal collects, with guidance for the details that need extra care.

Capture a signature

Collect a signer’s signature as part of the journal entry.

See signature capture

Personalize thumbprint capture

If the field is hidden, open Journal → More → Personalize Journal → Show Thumbprint Scan field.

See thumbprint setup

Handle identification details

Review how ID information is captured and which details belong in your journal. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Read the ID guidance

Before you choose your workflow

Start with the rules where you are commissioned.

Use the state and province selector to explore the existing guidance and its cited source. Confirm current requirements with your commissioning authority; this information is not legal advice.

Can an e-journal be used as the sole journal for in-person notarizations in California?

An electronic journal may be used exclusively.

Source: A notary public shall keep one active sequential journal at a time, of all official acts performed as a notary public.

L.A. County RR/CC Compliance: Surrendering your journal upon commission expiration or resignation? Read our guide on L.A. County RR/CC Journal Surrender Compliance to see how NotaryCentral handles California export and recordkeeping requirements.

Detecting location...

03 / Keep records accessible

Your journal should be useful after the appointment.

Return to your records, make a backup, or prepare a PDF for a record request.

1
Export a readable PDF
Open Journal → More → Export to create a PDF. The example shows a Virginia entry with a fictional signer, acknowledgment, and $5.00 fee.
2
Keep a separate backup
Use the Backup control for a full data export in its original format. Store downloaded records in a secure, encrypted location.
3
Plan for larger exports
Allow enough device storage and keep your connection active while an export finishes. Protect shared PDFs as confidential records.

Open the complete sample PDF Explore recordkeeping guidance

Review the Virginia sample and supporting evidence

This is sample report output, not a state approval or a guarantee that every workflow meets your jurisdiction’s requirements.

Report output, not an app screen: a Virginia journal specimen generated with fictional records. The full PDF includes the complete entry; layouts vary by jurisdiction.

Keep working wherever the appointment takes you.

Create entries offline

Create journal entries without an internet connection, including while signed out. Sync your entries once connectivity returns.

Explore entry management

Use your phone, tablet, or desktop

Keep a journal on the device that fits the appointment. The mobile walkthrough above shows entry creation on a phone.

Get started on your device

Review record integrity

Completed entries use tamper-evident hashes to help identify later changes. Review the detailed feature information for the controls and their scope.

Explore journal features

Journals for each notary. Oversight for your workspace.

Keep each notary’s work distinct

Each notary uses their own login and creates their own entries.

See team journal workflows

Review records within your workspace

Workspace owners and admins can review and export journal records within their workspace scope.

Explore workspace oversight

Manage journal access

Manage workspace membership and Journal seats. Review team billing before choosing coverage.

Review team access and billing

Choose journal access that fits your work.

Review current e-Journal plans, included access, and billing options on the pricing page.

See e-Journal pricing Start your journal

A few things to know before you start.

Can I use the journal for remote online notarizations?

The journal lets you record the platform used and the signing session’s unique identifier. Check the rules for your commission and the recordkeeping requirements for the platform you use. RON service pricing is separate.

Do I need internet access to create an entry?

You can create journal entries offline, even while signed out, then sync when you regain internet access. Keep a separate backup as part of your recordkeeping routine.

Why is the thumbprint field missing?

Open Journal, select More, then Personalize Journal, and enable Show Thumbprint Scan field. Start a new entry to see it. Follow your jurisdiction’s requirements for whether and how to collect a thumbprint.

What is the difference between Export and Backup?

Export creates a readable PDF for sharing or record requests. Backup exports your full journal data in its original format. Both controls are under Journal → More. Store these files securely.

How long does NotaryCentral host my journal?

NotaryCentral’s stated hosting policy is indefinite retention, with removal upon written request. Maintain your own secure backups and follow the retention and custody obligations that apply to your commission.

Where can I compare journal options?

The journal comparison guide is linked below. Use the current pricing page for NotaryCentral plan amounts and check the features and conditions that matter for your workflow.

Take a closer look.

Share the overview

A PDF introduction to the electronic journal workflow and benefits.

Open the overview deck

Compare your options

Read the existing guide to electronic and paper journal options.

Explore the comparison

Inspect feature details

Explore detailed journal capabilities and their supporting information.

Browse journal features

Give your next notarization a place in your journal.

Start with the guided entry workflow, then build a routine for reviewing and backing up your records.

Start your journal Follow the training

Always confirm your state or province’s current rules. Site content is general information and does not constitute legal advice.