What should a notary do if their seal is stolen?

• A. Notify only their employer
• B. Report it to the Secretary of the State and local police
• C. Continue notarizing with a temporary seal
• D. Use a different notary's seal

Answer: (B)

A stolen notary seal is a serious security breach, because the seal authenticates notarial acts and could be used to forge documents. The proper and best action is to report the theft to both the Secretary of the State and local police right away. The Secretary oversees notaries and can guide you on securing a replacement and preventing further misuse, while local law enforcement can investigate potential fraud or unauthorized acts. This dual reporting protects the public and helps preserve the integrity of your notarial duties.

Notify the employer alone doesn’t address the risk outside the workplace, and continuing to notarize with a temporary or borrowed seal would keep you and clients at risk of fraudulent acts. Using someone else’s seal is inappropriate and could amount to fraud. After reporting, follow the Secretary’s procedures for stopping use of the old seal, safeguarding records, and obtaining a new seal or reappointment as required.