What must a notary do if their seal is lost or stolen?

If a notary's seal is lost or stolen, it is essential for them to notify the Ohio Secretary of State immediately. This step is critical because the seal is a vital tool for a notary, symbolizing their authority to perform notarizations. Promptly informing the Secretary of State helps to prevent any misuse of the seal, which could lead to fraudulent activities. Additionally, it ensures that the notary can take necessary actions to secure their credentials, such as applying for a replacement seal. This process protects not only the notary but also the public relying on their services.

Continuing to notarize documents without a seal is not permissible and jeopardizes the validity of the notarizations. Using a colleague's seal is unethical and could potentially lead to disciplinary action or legal problems. Posting an announcement in a local newspaper does not effectively address the issue of a lost or stolen seal and does not fulfill the legal obligation to notify the Secretary of State. Therefore, immediate notification is the appropriate and necessary action when a notary's seal is compromised.