Journal Requirements in Georgia
Georgia is one of the states that does require a notary journal for traditional paper notarizations. Under Georgia Code §45-17-8, Georgia notaries must maintain a journal of all notarial acts performed. Each entry must record the date and time, type of notarial act, the character of the document, the signer's name and address, the type and number of identification presented, the fee charged, and the signer's signature in the journal. The journal must be retained for 5 years after the last entry. For RON, Georgia requires an electronic journal plus audio-visual recording with the same 5-year retention.
Georgia Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Georgia Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | sos.ga.gov |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond required | $500 bond or approved E&O policy |
| Exam/training | Georgia Notary Public Education course required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Required — all notarial acts |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. The notary commission is the legal credential. Most signing services and title companies operating in Georgia require NNA certification, a background check, and E&O insurance as vendor requirements regardless of state law.
Standard government-issued photo identification is accepted: state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, and permanent resident card. Always verify current Georgia statutes for state-specific variations. When in doubt, require documentary ID rather than relying on personal knowledge of the signer.
Yes, absolutely. A journal provides contemporaneous documentation of every notarial act. In the event of a fraud allegation or dispute, your journal is your primary defense. Professional signing agents in Georgia maintain journals as standard practice regardless of legal mandate.