What should a notary do in the event of a lost or stolen seal?

In the event of a lost or stolen seal, notifying the Clerk of Superior Court in writing is essential because it ensures that the appropriate authority is informed of the situation. This notification serves several important purposes: it helps protect the notary's status by formally documenting the issue, prevents potential misuse of the seal, and allows the Clerk’s office to take necessary precautions to alert the public. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity and trust involved in notarial acts.

While other actions, such as notifying clients or considering the purchase of a new seal, are appropriate to address the situation, they may not be as critical as notifying the Clerk. Filing a police report could also be relevant for documentation purposes, but it doesn't replace the requirement to keep the Clerk informed about the loss or theft of the seal. Ensuring that the Clerk is aware allows for a more systematic response to the incident, safeguarding against possible fraud or misrepresentation.