Creating your first journal entry

The first journal entry is always the hardest. We’ve boiled it down to a two-step process:

1. Understand your state’s laws about what’s required
2. Understand how to use your journal, whether it’s paper-bound or electronic

To find the rules for your state, refer to your state’s Notary Handbook. If you don’t have your handbook yet, Google keywords like “Notary Handbook” along with the name of your state.

Alternatively, feel free to use Notary Central’s “Ask A.I.” feature. It’s a special A.I. trained on your state’s handbook. Type in any question, and the A.I. will provide answers based on the state handbook and even provide clickable citations. To access the free trial, get the NotaryCentral app or click “Sign Up” on notarycentral.org.

Then, click “Ask AI” and choose your state.

It is worth noting that while at Notary Central we’ve gone through the painstaking process of assessing the rules for each state and baking those rules into our e-Journal, laws can always change and so it’s best to confirm the rules for yourself.

When it comes to understanding how to use your journal, sometimes the best way is to just go for it! At NotaryCentral, we’ve created a Mock Practice Exercise you can try as many times as you wish, free of charge. To access it, get the NotaryCentral app or click “Sign Up” on notarycentral.org

Visit “Journal” and you should be guided from there. You can click “Menu” followed by “Do practice exercise”. You will be given a mock signing scenario and you will be tasked with filling out the journal entry.

Good luck!