If your notary public journal is lost, stolen, or compromised, who should you notify?

Notifying the Illinois Secretary of State is crucial if your notary public journal is lost, stolen, or compromised because the Secretary of State oversees notary public regulations in Illinois and maintains records related to notarial acts. When a notarial journal is lost or stolen, it poses a significant risk, potentially enabling unauthorized individuals to commit fraud or impersonate the notary. Therefore, reporting the incident ensures that the appropriate authorities are informed and can take necessary actions to protect the integrity of the notarial process in the state.

This course of action helps the Secretary of State to track any improper use of the journal and may also guide you through any required steps to potentially mitigate the impact of the loss, including recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences. Overall, it is part of the professional responsibilities of a notary public to maintain the security and accuracy of their records, and prompt notification to the Secretary of State is a critical step in addressing the situation effectively.