What action should a Notary take if their journal is lost or stolen?

When a notary's journal is lost or stolen, the appropriate course of action is to report it to law enforcement and inform the California Secretary of State. This response is vital because the notary journal contains important information related to notarial acts, and its loss poses a risk of misuse, fraud, or identity theft. By notifying law enforcement, the notary is taking responsible steps to potentially recover the journal and to establish an official record of the incident, which can be crucial if any disputes arise in the future.

Additionally, informing the California Secretary of State allows the agency to be aware of the situation and reminds notaries of their responsibility to maintain and protect their journals diligently. This helps uphold the integrity of the notarial process and ensures compliance with legal requirements regarding record-keeping.

The other options do not address the seriousness of losing such a crucial document. Ignoring the loss, continuing to notarize without the journal, or asking a colleague for a copy does not adequately protect the interests of the notary, their clients, or public trust. Proper procedures must be followed to ensure accountability and transparency in notarial practices.