Journal Requirements in Nevada
Nevada requires a notary journal for all notarial acts — one of the minority of states that mandates journal-keeping for traditional paper notarizations. NRS 240.120 requires Nevada notaries to maintain a journal of every official act, recording the date, type of act, description of document, name and address of each signer, type of ID presented, and the fee charged. The journal must be retained for 7 years. For RON, Nevada requires an electronic journal plus audio-visual recording with the same 7-year retention. Nevada's 7-year retention requirement exceeds most other states.
Nevada Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Nevada Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | nvsos.gov |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond required | $10,000 surety bond |
| Exam/training | No exam required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Required — all notarial acts |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada maintain journals as standard practice regardless of legal mandate.