A Notary Public is reviewing their journal and notices that they inadvertently skipped an entire page and continued entries on the next page. There are no entries on the skipped page. What is the appropriate corrective action?
- ADraw a diagonal line through the blank page and make a note referencing the next entry.
- BWrite 'VOID' across the entire blank page and sign and date it.
- CTear out the blank page to maintain sequential order.
- DLeave the blank page as is, as long as entries continue sequentially after it.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Draw a diagonal line through the blank page and make a note referencing the next entry.
While not explicitly detailed in statute for an entire blank page, the general principle for correcting errors or intentional blank spaces in a Notary journal (as applied to blank lines) is to draw a line through the unused space and make a note. This ensures accountability and prevents fraudulent entries while preserving the integrity of the journal. Tearing out pages is strictly prohibited. Leaving it blank could allow for later fraudulent insertion.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While writing 'VOID' is a step, drawing a diagonal line and adding a signed, dated explanatory note is a more comprehensive and defensible method for an entire skipped page.
- C. Tearing pages from a journal is never permissible and is a serious violation.
- D. Leaving a blank page could allow for fraudulent entries to be inserted later.
Journal Blank Page Correction
If an entire page is inadvertently skipped in a Notary journal, the Notary should draw a diagonal line through it and make a signed, dated note explaining the skip and referencing the next valid entry.
- Maintains journal integrity.
- Prevents fraudulent insertion of entries.
- Similar principle to blank line correction.
Memory trick: Don't erase, don't rip, just line and note.