A bound journal and an embossing device are essential tools for a commissioned public official who verifies identities, witnesses signatures, and records these acts for legal purposes. The journal provides a chronological record of each notarization, including details such as the signer’s name, the type of document, and the date of the act. The embosser imprints an official seal onto documents, certifying the authenticity of the notarization.
These instruments play a critical role in deterring fraud and ensuring the enforceability of legal documents. They provide a reliable audit trail, enabling the verification of notarial acts. Historically, such record-keeping practices evolved alongside legal systems, increasing in importance with the growth of commerce and contractual agreements. Properly maintained records offer lasting evidence of a document’s execution, protecting the interests of all parties involved.