A notary public discovers that both the official seal and journal are missing after returning from an appointment. According to the handbook, what is the required next step?
Notaries must notify the Secretary of State immediately, not the county clerk, about missing items.
For a lost or stolen seal or journal, the handbook requires immediate notice to the Secretary of State by certified mail or another physical delivery method that provides a receipt. If applicable, the notice should include a photocopy of a police report. The Report Lost or Stolen Seal and/or Journal form is recommended, and it may also be used to request a duplicate Certificate of Authorization for a new stamp.
Loss must be reported to the Secretary of State immediately, not within 10 days.
Missing items must be reported to the Secretary of State immediately, not after mailing forms.
Explanation
The notary must immediately notify the Secretary of State by certified mail or another physical delivery method that provides a receipt, explaining what happened and including a photocopy of a police report if applicable. The handbook also recommends using the Report Lost or Stolen Seal and/or Journal form, which can be used to request a duplicate Certificate of Authorization for a new stamp. This requirement is grounded in Government Code sections 8206 and 8207.3(e).
— Government Code sections 8206 and 8207.3(e)
Memory Aid
Lost = Letter with receipt: if the seal or journal is lost, send a physical notice that creates a receipt.