Study for the Ohio Notary Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with explanations. Ensure your success today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What action should be taken if a notary seal is lost or stolen?

  1. Notify local law enforcement

  2. Immediately notify the Secretary of State within 30 days

  3. Continue using the seal until further notice

  4. Replace it without notifying anyone

The correct answer is: Immediately notify the Secretary of State within 30 days

The correct action when a notary seal is lost or stolen is to immediately notify the Secretary of State within 30 days. This is crucial because the Secretary of State oversees notarial activities and can provide guidance on the necessary steps to prevent potential misuse of a lost or stolen seal. Prompt notification is essential to ensure that the integrity of the notary's work is maintained and to inform the appropriate authorities to prevent fraud. Taking action to notify local law enforcement could be a prudent step to document the theft, but the primary responsibility lies with the Secretary of State to manage notarial seals. Continuing to use the seal after it has been lost or stolen is not permissible, as it can lead to unauthorized or fraudulent notarizations. Replacing the seal without notifying the Secretary of State not only disregards the required protocol but could also lead to serious consequences if the seal is used fraudulently. Thus, notifying the Secretary of State is the proper course of action.