When must the Secretary of State be notified of a notary's death?

The requirement for notifying the Secretary of State about a notary's death is critical for maintaining accurate public records and ensuring that the notary's commission is appropriately canceled. When a notary public passes away, their ability to perform notarial acts is immediately terminated; thus, prompt notification is essential.

Immediate reporting allows for necessary administrative actions, such as updating the notary public registry and preventing any potential misuse of the notary's seal or authority. Notifying the Secretary of State right away ensures that the legal and public safety implications that may arise from a notary's continued authority posthumously are avoided. This action emphasizes the importance of timely communication in professional responsibilities, particularly in roles that involve legal documentation and public trust.

The other time frames specified in the options would not be suitable in this context because they do not reflect the urgency required upon a notary's passing.