Utah Notary Practice Test

Which document must a notary provide after executing a notarization?

1. An affidavit

2. A letter to the signer

3. A copy of the notarial journal

4. Certification of the signer’s identity

The correct answer is: An affidavit

The correct response emphasizes the obligation of the notary to provide a specific documentation related to the notarization process. After executing a notarization, a notary is required to maintain a notarial journal in which they document each notarial act performed. This journal is vital as it serves as an official record of the notarial acts, detailing essential information such as the date of the act, the type of document notarized, the names of the signers, and any identification used to verify their identities. In jurisdictions like Utah, adhering to this requirement is crucial for the integrity and accountability of the notary's practice. While options like providing a letter to the signer or an affidavit may be common practices in some situations, they are not universally mandated after a notarization. Similarly, a certification of the signer’s identity may be part of the notarization process but does not replace or equate to the necessity of a notarial journal entry. Thus, the importance of the notarial journal aligns best with the requirements placed upon a notary after completing their duties.