What action should you take if your physical or electronic official seal is lost or stolen?

The correct course of action upon the loss or theft of your physical or electronic official seal is to notify the Secretary of State in writing the next business day. This immediate reporting is crucial because your official seal is a vital tool in validating notarial acts. If the seal is lost or stolen, there is a risk of unauthorized use that could lead to fraud or the misuse of your notary credentials. By notifying the Secretary of State promptly, you can help mitigate these risks and ensure your notary status is protected. This proactive approach allows for necessary steps to be taken, such as a potential suspension of your notary status until you can secure a new seal.

While it's important to act quickly, the requirement to notify in writing the next business day emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. This timeline ensures that the authorities are made aware of the issue as soon as possible, allowing them to take any necessary preventive measures. Other options, such as waiting longer to report or doing nothing, would not provide the necessary protection or fulfillment of legal obligations associated with being a notary.