Journal & Record-Keeping
New York does not mandate a notarial journal for traditional paper notarizations, but keeping one is a strong best practice, and specific records ARE required for electronic and remote notarizations.
Recordkeeping best practice
For traditional acts, New York law does not require every notary to keep a journal, but maintaining a record of each act (date, type, document, signer, and how identified) is a recommended best practice that protects the notary if an act is later challenged. Many notaries keep a journal voluntarily for this reason.
Records required for electronic/remote acts
When New York notaries perform electronic or remote online notarizations, they must keep a record/journal of those acts and retain the required audio-video recording for the period set by law. Unlike optional paper-act journaling, these electronic-act records are mandatory.