What should a Notary do in case of loss or theft of their stamping device?

Notifying the department promptly is the correct action for a Notary to take in the case of loss or theft of their stamping device. This step is crucial because it allows the department to take appropriate measures to prevent any unauthorized use of the lost or stolen stamp. Furthermore, reporting this incident helps to maintain the integrity of the notarial process and ensures that all parties are aware of the situation, which can prevent potential fraud or misuse of the notary's signature.

Additionally, notifying the department also aligns with the regulations governing notarial conduct, which often require notaries to report such occurrences quickly to uphold public trust and accountability in their duties. Taking this action establishes a necessary record of the incident and aids in the overall management of notary practices within the state.