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"Is it necessary to obtain thumbprints for every document that is notarized in California, or does that rule just apply to deeds?\u00A0\u2014\u00A0J.B., Costa Mesa, CA  Current law requires a journal thumbprint for all documents affecting real property \u2014 not just deeds, quitclaim deeds and deeds of trust \u2014 as well as all power of attorney documents (Government Code, Section 8206). The only exceptions are a trustee's deed resulting from a decree of foreclosure; a nonjudicial foreclosure pursuant to Civil Code Section 2924 or a deed of reconveyance.  On all other documents, obtaining the signer\u2019s thumbprint in the journal is not required; however, it is a\u00A0practice that is recommended by the National Notary Association. Increasingly, Notaries are asking document signers to leave a thumbprint for all notarial transactions. It is a strong deterrent to forgery, as it represents absolute proof of the signer's identity and proves the signer was present before the Notary. Nothing prevents a Notary from asking for a thumbprint for every notarial act, if the signer is willing. However, a Notary may not refuse to notarize a document if the signer has complied with all other laws governing notarization and the document type is not one that requires a journal thumbprint.  Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes.\u2014 The Editors  \u00A0   Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained\u00A0NNA Hotline\u00A0counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call\u00A0(888) 876-0827,\u00A0Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2013/07/hotline-tip-thumbprints-required>