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What action should a notary take if they lose their official seal?

  1. Continue notarizing without it

  2. Report the loss to the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal

  3. Ask a colleague to lend theirs

  4. Destroy any documents signed with the old seal

The correct answer is: Report the loss to the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal

When a notary loses their official seal, the appropriate action is to report the loss to the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal. This is vital because the seal is an essential component of the notary's duties and serves as a means of authenticating documents. Continuing to notarize without the seal would be improper and could lead to legal complications, as the lack of a valid seal undermines the credibility of the notarial acts performed. Reporting the loss to the Secretary of State ensures that the notary's records are updated, which helps prevent any unauthorized use of the seal. By obtaining a new seal, the notary can resume their responsibilities in accordance with state laws and regulations, maintaining the integrity of the notarial process.