Final answer:
In the event that a notary seal/stamp is lost or stolen, the notary must immediately notify the appropriate regulatory body, potentially file a report with law enforcement, and take steps to order a replacement. Keeping the new seal secure is essential to prevent further incidents. It is critically important to monitor for fraudulent use of the seal.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your notary seal/stamp is lost or stolen, it is imperative to take immediate action to prevent any potential misuse or fraud. The first step is to inform the appropriate regulatory body in your jurisdiction; this could be the secretary of state or local notary authority. You would need to provide a written notice detailing the loss or theft of your notary seal. Additionally, you may be required to notify law enforcement to file a report, which can be helpful for any needed investigation and may be required by your notary public official bond policy if you have one.
Further preventive measures involve ordering a replacement seal, which should be kept in a secure location to avoid a repeat incident. Beware of any documents that may have been notarized fraudulently with your stolen seal, and notify any affected parties immediately should such a situation arise. The security of a notary's seal is critical, as it bears the notary's authority and its misuse can result in significant legal issues.