In California, journal thumb prints are required deed, quitclaim deed, or deed of trust affecting real property, the notary public shall require the party signing the document to place his or her right thumbprint in the journal. If the right thumbprint is not available, then the notary shall have the party use his or her left thumb or any available finger and shall so indicate in the journal.

Beware that there are many states that do not allow the refusal of notarization if the signer does not wish to provide a thumb print.