If any notary public resigns, is disqualified, removed from office, or allows his or her appointment to expire without obtaining reappointment within 30 days, all notarial records and papers shall be delivered within 30 days to the clerk of the county in which the notary public’s current official oath of office is on file. If the notary public willfully fails or refuses to deliver all notarial records and papers to the county clerk within 30 days, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be personally liable for damages to any person injured by that action or inaction.

In the case of the death of a notary public, the personal representative of the deceased shall promptly notify the Secretary of State of the death of the notary public and shall deliver all notarial records and papers of the deceased to the clerk of the county in which the notary public’s official oath of office is on file.

After 10 years from the date of deposit with the county clerk, if no request for, or reference to such records has been made, they may be destroyed upon order of court.

Notary Journal Return is available in person or by mail in the Clerk’s office. 

Bring or mail all the Notary Journal and completed Receipt of Returned Notary Journals to:

San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Attn: Special Services
555 County Center 1st Floor
Redwood City CA 94063

Please be sure to complete the following information needed in the Receipt of Returned Notary Journals:

• Notary name
• Notary address and phone number
• Notary commission number
• Expiration date of commission
• Indicate the number of journals surrendered

When mailing, please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can return the Notary Journal Receipt form.

For more detail on Notary Public, visit California Secretary of State Notary Public and Authentications.