Texas Notary Journal Requirements

Texas journal rules at a glance

• Required for every Texas notary (except court clerks notarizing for the court).
• Each entry must include: date of the document, date of notarization, signer's name and mailing address, how the signer was identified (personal knowledge, ID card, passport, or credible witness's name and address), witness details if proved by witness, grantee name and address, a short description of the document, and for land documents the original grantee and county.
• Do not record ID numbers; the ID expiration date may be recorded. Recording the signer's signature is not required but SOS highly recommends it.
• Records may be kept electronically.
• Retention: the 2025 law (Gov't Code 406.014(g)) requires keeping records until the 10th anniversary of the notarization. (Older SOS FAQ text still mentions a shorter period; the statute controls.)
• Journal entries are public. A notary must provide certified copies when requested and fees are paid; SOS guidance says respond within 10 business days.
• When a commission ends, the record book goes to the county clerk.

From the official Texas notary sources, checked October 20, 2026: sos.state.tx.us (1), sos.state.tx.us (2), sos.state.tx.us (3), sos.state.tx.us (4). Lines marked "Not confirmed" need checking with the state. General information, not legal advice.

Inside the Texas Notary Record Book

• 500 numbered entries, laid out the way Texas entries should be recorded.
• The fields Texas requires, and nothing it doesn't allow you to record.
• A built-in Texas notary handbook in the back matter, with loan-signing basics and a notary info log.
• Original Texas cover art from Uptown Seal Press.
• Paperback or hardcover, printed to order and shipped free.