What should a notary do with their seal after leaving employment?

A notary is responsible for the security and proper use of their notary seal, which is a crucial part of their official capacity. After leaving employment, the notary should keep their seal to adhere to legal guidelines and best practices regarding the integrity of notarial practices.

Retaining the seal ensures that it will not be misused by anyone else, which could result in fraudulent notarizations or other legal complications. Notaries are advised to secure their seal in a safe place to prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, depending on state regulations, the notary may need their seal if they choose to continue practicing notary services after their employment has ended.

While returning the seal to the employer might seem logical, it can lead to potential misuse if the employer is not a registered notary or does not properly secure it. Similarly, destroying the seal could hinder the notary's ability to perform duties in the future, and handing it over to a colleague does not provide the necessary accountability and security for the seal’s use. Thus, keeping the seal is the most responsible and legally sound choice for a notary after leaving their employment.