ARKANSAS | National Database

In-Person Paper Notarizations

Am I required by law to maintain a notary journal in Arkansas?

No, a notary public in the State of Arkansas is not required to maintain a notary journal. However, if remote online notarizations are legal in the State of Arkansas and the notary public is performing online notarizations, they may want to check any specific guidelines surrounding record keeping for remote online notarizations.

Recommended best practices for notary journals

Although the State of Arkansas does not require a notary public to complete a notary journal by law, it is considered “best practice” to maintain a notary journal to protect the notary public from lawsuits and potential liabilities.

The following pieces of information are considered “best practice” to collect in a notary journal

Date and time of each notarial act
A description of the document and type of notarial act (e.g., Deed of trust, Acknowledgment)
The printed full name, signature and address of each person for whom a notarial act is performed.
A description of the identification document, its serial or identification number and its date of issuance or expiration
The fee charged for the notarial service

It is important to remember that these “best practices” are just recommendations, and that a notary can include more or less information as long as they remain compliant with their State code.

Remote Online Notarizations

Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) approved in the State of Arkansas?

Yes, notaries in the State of Arkansas are authorized to perform remote online notarizations

Do I have to record the Remote Online Notarization session?

Yes

What is the retention period for RON recordings?

5 years

Do I have to log RON sessions in a journal?

Yes

Journal format

Electronic record

"An electronic notary public performing an online notarial act shall keep a secure electronic record of electronic documents notarized"

Journal entry requirements

The date and time of the online notarial act;
The type of online notarial act;
The type, the title, or a description of the electronic document or proceeding;
The printed name and address of each principal involved in the transaction or proceeding;
Evidence of identity of each principal involved in the transaction or proceeding in the form of:

A statement that the person is personally known to the online notary public;
A notation of the type of identification document provided to the online notary public;
A record of the identity verification made under § 21-14-309, if applicable; or
The following:
The printed name and address of each credible witness swearing to or affirming the person’s identity; and for each credible witness not personally known to the online notary public; a description of the type of identification documents provided to the online notary public;

A recording of any video and audio conference that is the basis for satisfactory evidence of identity and a notation of the type of identification presented as evidence;
An audio and video copy of the performance of the notarial act; and
The fee, if any, charged for the notarization.

Journal retention