What action should a notary take if their seal is lost or stolen?

The most appropriate action for a notary who has lost or had their seal stolen is to notify the Secretary of State immediately and potentially obtain a new seal. This requirement is in place to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of notarial acts. The loss of a notary seal poses a significant risk as it could be misused for fraudulent purposes, so immediate notification safeguards against this risk.

Taking prompt action is essential in maintaining compliance with state regulations and protecting the notary's responsibilities and liabilities. In many jurisdictions, a notary is also required to complete a form or provide details about the loss to the Secretary of State’s office.

While the idea of doing nothing until renewal might seem appealing, it leaves the notary vulnerable and could lead to significant legal and professional repercussions. The use of a backup seal also lacks regulatory backing in most cases; if a notary has one, it should still be reported to the Secretary of State as a loss of the primary seal. Finally, informing clients to wait for a new seal without taking further action does not address the critical need for safeguarding the notary’s official functions and responsibilities.