Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Georgia Notaries: Can You Update an Incorrect Journal Entry?
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- Published: August 11, 2025
If you’re a Georgia notary public and you discover an error in a previous journal entry, you might be wondering whether you can go back and correct it.
While Georgia notary laws do not explicitly address how to amend a past entry in your notary journal, the following best practices are recommended for handling corrections in a paper, bound journal.
Step 1: Make a New Entry
Create a new journal entry that accurately reflects the facts of the original notarization. In the “Comments” section of the new entry, briefly explain why it was necessary—e.g., to correct an error or add missing information. Include the original entry number or page number for reference.
Step 2: Leave the Original Entry Intact
Do not strike through or overwrite information in the original, incorrect entry. Instead, in the “Comments” section (or nearby blank space), add a note explaining that, “This journal entry is incorrect or incomplete; see subsequent journal entry number [X] and dated [Y] for corrected or complete information.”
Final Tip
If you are ever asked to produce your record for that notarization, provide both the original entry and the corrected one to show complete documentation of your actions.
Maintaining integrity in your recordkeeping is essential—and at Notary Public of America, we’re proud to support Georgia notaries with resources and tools that help make it easy.
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