California Notary Public ExamJournal RequirementsMedium
A Notary Public is performing a notarization for a document that requires a thumbprint in the journal. The signer has a physical condition that prevents them from providing a clear or complete thumbprint. What is the Notary Public required to do in this situation?
- AProceed with the notarization without the thumbprint, as the requirement is waived due to physical inability.
- BRefuse to perform the notarization.
- CMake a note in the journal next to where the thumbprint would normally be, explaining the reason for its absence.
- DRequest an alternative form of biometric identification.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Make a note in the journal next to where the thumbprint would normally be, explaining the reason for its absence.
California Government Code § 8206(a)(2)(G) states that if a signer can demonstrate a physical inability to provide a thumbprint, the Notary Public must make a note in the journal next to the entry, explaining the reason for the absence of the thumbprint.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The requirement is not waived; rather, the absence must be documented with a specific explanation.
- B. Refusal is not necessary if the reason for absence is documented.
- D. Alternative biometric identification is not a requirement or option under California Notary law for this scenario.
Thumbprint Absence Due to Physical Inability
If a signer is physically unable to provide a required thumbprint, the Notary Public must document this fact and the reason in the journal entry.
- Applies to physical inability only.
- A note must be made in the journal.
- The reason for the absence must be explicitly stated.
Memory trick: Can't Print? Just write why.