Final answer:
A notary must notify the appropriate regulatory agency, often the Secretary of State, and potentially local law enforcement when their seal is stolen or lost.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a notary's seal is stolen or lost, it is imperative for the notary to immediately notify the appropriate regulatory authority, which is usually the Secretary of State's office or a similar governing body in their jurisdiction. This notification should generally be made in writing and include specific details of the incident, such as the seal's description, the last time it was used, and any pertinent circumstances surrounding the loss or theft. Additionally, reporting the loss or theft to local law enforcement is also advisable, as a notary seal can potentially be used for fraudulent activities. It's critical for notaries to follow the proper reporting protocol in their region to mitigate any potential misuse of their stolen seal.