California Notary Public ExamJournal RequirementsMedium
A Notary Public is preparing a certified copy of a journal entry for a private citizen. The request specifically asks for all details related to a power of attorney notarized for 'Jane Doe'. Which of the following pieces of information MUST be redacted from the certified copy?
- AThe character of the document notarized (e.g., 'Power of Attorney').
- BThe fee collected for the notarial act.
- CThe serial number of the identification presented by Jane Doe.
- DThe type of identification presented by Jane Doe.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The serial number of the identification presented by Jane Doe.
When providing a certified copy of a journal entry to a private citizen, the Notary Public must redact all information EXCEPT the date, time, and type of act, and the character of the document. Specifically, the serial number of the identification is considered private and must be redacted.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The character of the document (Power of Attorney) is one of the few items that may be included.
- B. The fee collected for the notarial act is not among the items that must be redacted; it is part of the required entry.
- D. The type of identification (e.g., 'CA Driver's License') is generally not redacted.
Journal Certified Copy Redaction (Private Citizen)
When providing a certified copy of a journal entry to a private citizen, a California Notary Public must redact all information except the date, time, type of act, and character of the document. The ID serial number must always be redacted.
- Only date, time, type of act, and character of document are provided.
- All other information, including ID serial numbers, must be redacted.
- Applies to requests from private citizens, not law enforcement or court orders.
Memory trick: For private eyes, 'Date', 'Time', 'Act', 'Doc' are fine; 'ID serials' are 'off-limits'.