Understand the required obligation.
Some states require a notary public to obtain a surety bond as part of commissioning. The required amount, term, filing process, and whether errors and omissions insurance is optional are state-specific.
Common uses
- New notary commissions
- Notary renewals
- State-mandated bond filings
- Replacement bonds after a business or name change
Information to prepare
- Applicant legal name
- Commissioning state and county
- Required bond amount and term
- Commission number, if assigned
- Requested effective date
Frequently asked questions
Does a notary bond protect the notary?
The bond generally protects the public or state according to its terms. Separate notary errors and omissions insurance may protect the notary against certain covered claims.
Can the bond be delivered electronically?
Many eligible instant-issue bonds can be purchased and delivered electronically, but filing requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Bond descriptions are general. Availability, underwriting, pricing, indemnity, collateral, form, and delivery vary. The application and issued bond control.