When a notary seal is lost or stolen, when must the notary notify the Secretary of State?

When a notary seal is lost or stolen, the correct course of action is to notify the Secretary of State the next business day. This requirement emphasizes the importance of prompt reporting to help prevent any unauthorized use of the notary’s seal, which could lead to fraudulent activities or other legal complications. Timely notification allows the Secretary of State to take necessary precautions and possibly track any improper use of the seal, thereby protecting the public and the notary’s integrity.

The urgency in this requirement highlights the responsibility that notaries hold in safeguarding their tools of the trade. It ensures that measures can be implemented swiftly to mitigate risks associated with the misuse of their notarial authority.