What is a key step a notary should take to safeguard their seal?

Safeguarding a notary's seal is crucial to maintaining the integrity and authenticity of notarized documents. Keeping the seal in a secure location ensures that it is protected from loss, theft, or unauthorized use. A secure location can be a locked drawer, safe, or any other place that limits access to only the notary. This practice not only helps prevent fraud but also preserves the trustworthiness of the notarization process, which relies heavily on the security of the seal as a symbol of the notary's authority.

In contrast, storing the seal in a drawer without any security measures may make it vulnerable to unauthorized individuals, while allowing others to use it, even with permission, can lead to misuse or misunderstandings about the authority of the documents. Using a digital copy for backup does not address the physical security of the seal itself, which remains crucial for valid notarization practices. Thus, the emphasis on maintaining a secure setting is vital to uphold the responsibilities of a notary public.