Recently, S.B. 139 - Notary Amendments was signed into law and will take effect on May 6, 2026. This bill amends provisions of the Notaries Public Reform Act. The most significant change this bill makes is requiring the use of notary journals for new and renewing notaries on or after May 6, 2026. Please review the following document for information about keeping a journal and journal entry requirements.
Notaries who have a current commission are not required to keep a journal until they renew their commission after May 6, 2026. Notaries who chose to keep a journal before May 6, 2026 are still subject to the journal retention requirements and inspection procedures outlined in this bill.
We highly encourage all active notaries to read through this bill in its entirety -you can find the full bill linked below. Additional changes made in this bill include:
Requirement of unexpired ID for satisfactory evidence of identity
Allowing credible witnesses who personally know the signer to provide satisfactory evidence of ID and sworn affidavit to the notary in lieu of the signer providing satisfactory evidence of ID
A process for journal inspection
Making unauthorized use or possession of a notary seal or journal a crime
Please contact our office with any questions.
Sincerely,
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Notary Office - Utah State Capitol
PO Box 142325
350 N State St. Suite 220
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
[email protected]
801-538-1041