This question comes up constantly: “Do I need to take a thumbprint for a jurat?”

The short answer is this: it depends on your state law. Some states require thumbprints in notary journals for certain documents, most commonly deeds, mortgages, or powers of attorney. Other states do not require thumbprints at all.

But here is the part many notaries learn the hard way. Even when a thumbprint is not required, it is one of the strongest fraud-prevention tools you have.

Think about it. Identification can be forged. Stories can change. Memories fade. A thumbprint in your journal is physical proof that the signer appeared before you. It is difficult to dispute and nearly impossible to explain away.

I have seen this play out in real life. A notary was subpoenaed after a signer denied ever appearing for a notarization. What protected her commission and credibility? The thumbprint in her journal. The issue ended quickly.

👉 Takeaway: Even if your state does not require thumbprints, consider using them for high-risk documents only if doing so is permitted and not specifically prohibited by your state’s notarial law. It takes one extra second at the table and, when allowed, can provide powerful protection if your notarization is ever challenged.

State Law Matters
Notary requirements vary by state. Some states permit the use of thumbprints in a notary journal, while others specifically prohibit recording biometric identifiers. Always follow your state’s notarial law and administrative rules before collecting a thumbprint or any biometric information. Notaries must adhere to their state’s notarial statutes and regulations at all times. If your state prohibits the collection of biometric identifiers, including thumbprints, you may not record them in your journal, even as a best practice.

At Notary Academy, we teach notaries to think beyond minimum requirements. Knowing what the law allows is essential, but understanding how to protect yourself in real-world situations is just as important.

Your journal is not busywork.
It is evidence.

And evidence matters.