What might occur if you do not surrender your notary stamp after failing to notify the Secretary of State?

If a notary public fails to notify the Secretary of State regarding certain changes, such as the loss, theft, or destruction of their notary stamp, and does not surrender their stamp, it can lead to serious consequences regarding their future as a notary. Specifically, not surrendering the stamp can result in being barred from applying for a new commission for a period of five years. This is designed to ensure that notaries uphold responsibilities associated with their role and maintain integrity in their practices.

By enforcing this five-year period, the law aims to prevent individuals who have not followed proper procedures from immediately returning to the responsibilities of a notary without addressing the issues that led to the noncompliance. It serves as a safeguard to protect the public against potential misuse of notary powers by those who may have failed to operate within the required legal framework.

In this context, the other options would not represent the real consequences outlined by notary laws. Immediate fines, active commissions despite non-compliance, or criminal charges for failing to notify may not align with the specific stipulations provided under Illinois notary regulations.