What should a Notary do if they lose their Notary seal?

A notary public has a legal obligation to protect the integrity of their notarial acts, and losing the notary seal poses a significant risk in terms of unauthorized use or potential fraud. When a notary seal is lost, it is essential to notify the Department of the Attorney General immediately. This prompt reporting helps to ensure that appropriate measures can be taken to safeguard against any misuse of the seal and prevents the notary from unintentionally conducting unauthorized notarizations that could lead to legal complications.

In addition, notifying the Department allows the office to update their records regarding the notary's seal and potentially guide the notary through the appropriate steps for getting a replacement seal. This action reflects the notary's responsibility and commitment to upholding the standards and regulations governing notarial practice in Hawaii. A notary who fails to report the loss risks potential liabilities and could face disciplinary action.