Which statement describes how a notary journal should be stored?

• A. It can be stored online without restrictions
• B. It may be stored in the office's common file
• C. It must be kept in a secure area under the sole control of the notary
• D. It can be shared with the signer

Answer: (C)

The notary journal is an official and sensitive record of every notarial act, so it must be kept in a secure area under the notary’s sole control. This arrangement protects the privacy of signers, preserves the integrity of the entries, and reduces the risk of loss, tampering, or unauthorized access. Storing the journal online without restrictions risks hacking or breaches; placing it in the office’s common file makes it accessible to people who should not see it; and sharing it with the signer compromises confidential information contained in the journal. Maintaining exclusive control in a secure location ensures proper accountability and compliance with Maryland requirements.