Journal Requirements in Kentucky
Kentucky does not require a notary journal for traditional in-person paper notarizations. KRS §423.010 et seq. governs Kentucky notaries. Kentucky authorized RON under HB 563, effective January 2021. For RON, Kentucky requires an electronic journal and audio-visual recording with a 5-year retention period. Kentucky notaries performing RON must use a Secretary of State-approved platform. Kentucky is a mortgage state rather than a deed of trust state, which affects the document type for the primary security instrument in residential real estate transactions — an important distinction for signing agents reviewing packages before appointments.
Kentucky Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Kentucky Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | sos.ky.gov |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond required | No bond required |
| Exam/training | No exam required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Not required — recommended |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky is a mortgage state. Residential real estate loans in Kentucky are secured by a mortgage — a two-party instrument between the borrower and the lender — rather than a deed of trust. For signing agents, this means the primary notarized security instrument will be labeled as a mortgage rather than a deed of trust. The notarization procedure is the same, but the document title and some structural elements differ from deed of trust states.
Louisville and Lexington are the primary markets for loan signing volume in Kentucky. Louisville in particular generates significant signing activity as one of the larger metros in the region. The Northern Kentucky suburbs of Cincinnati (Covington, Florence, Newport) also generate consistent signing demand, and agents in that area often hold commissions in both Kentucky and Ohio to serve the full Cincinnati metro area.
Yes. 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 Kentucky maintain journals as standard practice regardless of the legal mandate.
Kentucky does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. Most signing services and title companies require NNA certification, a current background check, and E&O insurance at $100,000 or more as vendor requirements.