You have been commissioned as a notary public. You have your stamp, your journal, and your state-issued commission. But before you notarize a single document, most states require one more thing — a notary bond. Without it, your commission is not legally active, and any notarization you perform could be invalid. Here is everything you need to know about notary bonds: what they are, what they cost, how they work when something goes wrong, and the details most guides never bother to explain.
What Is a Notary Bond?
A notary bond is a type of surety bond — a legally binding three-party agreement — that most states require before a notary public can be commissioned. The three parties are the principal (the notary), the obligee (the state government agency requiring the bond, acting on behalf of the public), and the surety (the bonding company that issues the bond and backs it financially).
The bond guarantees that the notary will perform their official duties ethically and in accordance with state law. If they fail — through negligence, misconduct, or fraud — anyone harmed can file a claim against the bond for financial compensation up to the bond’s face amount.
One point that surprises many new notaries: the bond does not protect you. It protects the public. If a valid claim is paid by the surety, you are required to reimburse the surety for every dollar paid out. Notary bonds function more like a line of credit than insurance — the surety pays the claimant upfront, and you pay the surety back. If you want protection for yourself as a notary, that requires separate errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
What Notary Bonds Cover
A claim can be filed against a notary’s bond when the notary causes financial harm through any of the following acts: notarizing a document without actually witnessing the signer’s signature, failing to properly verify a signer’s identity, knowingly notarizing forged or fraudulent documents, or otherwise violating the notary laws of their state.
Here is how a real-world claim plays out. A person goes to a notary to transfer a car title. The person claiming to be the seller does not have a physical ID and shows only a photo of a license on their phone. The notary accepts it and completes the notarization. Weeks later, it emerges the seller was actually the owner’s brother using a photoshopped image. The real owner never consented to the sale. In this situation, the real owner has a valid bond claim because the notary failed to fulfill their core duty — verifying that the signer is who they claim to be, is aware of the document’s content, and is not signing under duress.
Notary Bond vs. Errors and Omissions Insurance
These two products are frequently confused. They serve opposite purposes.
| Feature | Notary Bond | E&O Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Protects | The public / claimants | The notary |
| Required by law | In most states | Almost never |
| Notary repays surety if claim paid | Yes | No |
| Covers legal fees for notary | No | Yes |
| Covers honest mistakes | Yes (but notary repays) | Yes (notary does not repay) |
| Covers fraudulent acts | Yes (but notary repays) | No |
E&O insurance can also serve a practical financial function alongside the bond: in many cases, a notary’s E&O policy will cover the repayment back to the surety when a bond claim is paid. This means carrying both is not redundant — they complement each other. E&O specifically covers you even when no bond claim is filed, such as when a client sues you for alleged negligence but no wrongdoing is ultimately found.
Which States Require a Notary Bond?
Thirty of the fifty states currently require notaries to obtain a surety bond. Bond amounts range from $500 (Wisconsin and Wyoming) to $25,000 (Montana and Indiana), with the notable exception of Alabama, which increased its requirement to $50,000 effective September 1, 2023. The average bond amount across all requiring states is approximately $8,950.
The table below covers bond requirements for the most commonly bonded states.
| State | Bond Amount | Commission Term | Where Filed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,000 | 4 years | County probate court |
| Alaska | $1,000 | 4 years | Lieutenant Governor |
| Arizona | $5,000 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Arkansas | $7,500 | 4 years | County recorder of deeds + SOS |
| California | $15,000 | 4 years | County clerk |
| DC | $2,000 | 5 years | Secretary of DC |
| Florida | $7,500 | 4 years | Department of State |
| Hawaii | $1,000 | 4 years | Circuit court clerk |
| Idaho | $10,000 | 6 years | Secretary of State |
| Illinois | $5,000 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Indiana | $5,000 | 8 years | Secretary of State |
| Kansas | $7,500 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Kentucky | Varies by county | 4 years | County clerk |
| Louisiana | $10,000 | 5 years | Secretary of State |
| Michigan | $10,000 | 4 years | County clerk |
| Missouri | $10,000 | 4 years | County clerk |
| Montana | $10,000 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Nebraska | $15,000 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Nevada | $10,000 | 4 years | County clerk |
| New Mexico | $5,000 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| North Dakota | $7,500 | 6 years | Secretary of State |
| Oklahoma | $1,000 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | 4 years | County recorder of deeds |
| South Dakota | $5,000 | 6 years | Secretary of State |
| Tennessee | $10,000 | 4 years | County clerk |
| Texas | $10,000 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Utah | $5,000 | 4 years | Lieutenant Governor |
| Washington | $10,000 | 4 years | Department of Licensing |
| West Virginia | $1,000 | 5 years | Secretary of State |
| Wisconsin | $500 | 4 years | Secretary of State |
| Wyoming | $500 | 4 years | County clerk |
Two states have unusual substitution options worth knowing. In Louisiana, an E&O insurance policy may substitute for a surety bond in some circumstances. In West Virginia, a professional liability, E&O, or commercial general liability policy may substitute for the bond, provided the policy does not exclude acts in violation of the law. Always verify your state’s current requirements with the commissioning authority before purchasing.
How Much Does a Notary Bond Cost?
Notary bonds are among the most affordable surety bonds available. For most states, the total cost for the entire commission term ranges from $35 to $100 — not per year, but for the full multi-year period. The bond is considered low risk, so surety companies do not typically run a credit check or review your financial statements. A flat rate applies in most cases.
| Bond Amount | Typical Premium Range |
|---|---|
| $500–$1,000 | $20–$40 for term |
| $5,000 | $35–$100 for term |
| $10,000 | $60–$150 for term |
| $15,000 | $60–$150 for term |
| $25,000 | $80–$180 for term |
| $50,000 (Alabama) | $50–$200+ for term; may require credit check |
A few additional cost factors: some providers charge a $100 processing fee on top of the bond premium, so ask before purchasing. If you commit to a bond for multiple years upfront, some providers offer a discount on the annual rate. If you are a member of certain notary professional organizations, you may qualify for exclusive pricing discounts. Notary bond premiums may also be tax-deductible as a business expense — consult your tax professional.
How to File Your Notary Bond
Filing requirements vary by state. Most states require the original bond document with a raised surety company seal — not just a printed copy — to be filed by mail with the appropriate government office. The filing deadline also varies: some states require the bond to be filed with the initial commission application, while others allow a window of 30, 45, or 90 days after the commission date to file. Missing the filing deadline can invalidate your commission.
In Arizona, the bond must be issued in duplicate and cannot be dated more than 60 days before or 30 days after the commission date. In Pennsylvania, the bond must be filed within 45 days of appointment. In California, the bond must be filed within 30 days of the commission commencement date at the county clerk’s office in the county where the notary’s principal place of business is located.
A bond rider is a document used to amend an existing bond — most commonly to update the notary’s name, county, or bond dates. Not all states require a rider for such changes, but if your state does, your bonding company will issue one. Riders for name changes typically involve contacting your bonding company and filing the rider with the same government office where the original bond is on record.
What Happens When Someone Files a Claim
If someone suffers financial harm due to your actions as a notary, they can file a claim against your bond. The process begins by locating where your bond is filed — either the Secretary of State, a county clerk, or another government office. The bond is a public record and can be obtained for a fee. The bond document identifies your surety company, which is who the claimant contacts directly to initiate the claim.
The surety investigates the claim and will contact you to gather information. They will almost certainly request a copy of your notary journal for the notarization in question. A pending claim does not automatically result in a financial loss — the surety may deny the claim if it lacks merit. If the claim is valid, the surety pays up to the full bond amount and then seeks reimbursement from you, potentially including court costs and other fees.
In some states, the law requires the surety to notify the commissioning official when a claim is paid. Those states may then suspend the notary’s commission until a new bond is in place.
How to Avoid Claims on Your Notary Bond
Most bond claims stem from a small set of preventable mistakes. The following practices significantly reduce your exposure.
Require signers to be physically present. Failure to require personal appearance is the single most common reason notaries get sued — it is the top notary violation across the country. Never notarize a document for an absent signer under any circumstances.
Verify identity rigorously. Accept a state-approved photo ID. In some cases, personal knowledge of the signer or a sworn statement from an identifying witness is also acceptable. Never accept a photo of an ID on a phone as a substitute for the physical document.
Do not notarize documents with blank spaces. Several states have laws that specifically prohibit this. Blank spaces leave room for fraud and document modification after the fact. Always confirm all fields are completed before affixing your seal.
Remain impartial. If your name appears in the document, or if you have a personal or financial interest in the transaction, do not notarize it. Do not notarize for immediate family members.
Never give legal advice. A notary is not an attorney. Advising a signer about the content or legal implications of a document they are signing exposes you to lawsuits if that advice causes financial harm.
Keep a complete and accurate notary journal. Record every notarization. Best practice is to ask signers to leave a signature — and for high-stakes documents, a thumbprint — in the journal. This record is your primary defense if a claim is ever filed months or years after the notarization.
How to Get a Notary Bond
The process is fast and simple for most notaries. Apply with a licensed surety provider by submitting your name, address, state of commissioning, and bond amount required. Receive your quote — for most standard notary bonds, the rate is set and no underwriting is needed. Pay the premium and your bond is issued, often instantly or within the same day. Then file the original bond with the government office specified by your state — either at the time of your commission application or within the deadline window your state allows. Swiftbonds issues notary bonds for all requiring states quickly and with no credit check for standard bond amounts, and can guide you through the exact filing requirements for your state.
Swiftbonds LLC
2025 Surety Bond Technology Provider of the Year
4901 W. 136th Street
Leawood KS 66224
(913) 214-8344
https://swiftbonds.com/
FAQs
What is a notary bond and what does it cover? A notary bond is a surety bond required by most states that guarantees a notary will perform their duties ethically and lawfully. It protects the public — not the notary — from financial losses caused by the notary’s errors, negligence, or misconduct. If a valid claim is filed, the surety pays the claimant up to the bond amount, and the notary is required to repay the surety.
How much does a notary bond cost? Most notary bonds cost between $35 and $100 for the entire commission term, which is typically four years. No credit check is required for standard bond amounts. Alabama’s $50,000 bond may cost more and may require a credit check. Some providers charge an additional $100 processing fee, and multi-year commitments or professional association memberships may reduce the premium.
Is a notary bond the same as E&O insurance? No. A notary bond protects the public — the notary must repay the surety if a claim is paid. E&O (errors and omissions) insurance protects the notary — no repayment is required if an E&O claim is paid. E&O also covers legal fees and lawsuit defense costs that a bond does not. Carrying both provides the most complete protection.
Which states require a notary bond? Thirty states currently require notary bonds, along with the District of Columbia. Bond amounts range from $500 to $50,000 depending on the state. States that do not require bonds still permit notaries to obtain them voluntarily to build public trust.
Does a notary bond cover fraudulent acts? Technically yes — a claimant can file a bond claim for losses caused by a notary’s fraud. However, the notary remains personally liable to repay the surety. E&O insurance does not cover fraudulent acts, only honest mistakes. There is no product that shields a notary from the personal financial consequences of intentional misconduct.
Can I get a notary bond with bad credit? Yes. Notary bonds are considered low-risk and most are issued without any credit check. The flat premium rate applies regardless of credit history for bonds under $25,000. Alabama’s $50,000 bond is the primary exception where credit may be reviewed.
What is a bond rider? A rider is a document that amends an existing notary bond — most commonly to update the notary’s name, county, or bond dates after a change occurs. Not all states require a rider for every type of change. Contact your bonding company to determine whether a rider is needed and how to file it.
What happens if my notary bond expires? Once your bond expires, your commission is no longer legally active and you are not authorized to perform notarial acts. Any notarization performed after the expiration date may be considered invalid. Additionally, if a claim arises from a notarization you performed while the bond was valid — but the bond has since expired — you may still be personally liable for that claim.
Can I switch bonding companies during my commission? No. Your bond is tied to the company that issued it. If you want to change providers, you must obtain a new bond through the new company. The original bond cannot be transferred.
Is a notary bond refundable if I don’t practice? Generally no. Once issued, a notary bond is considered valid for its full term regardless of whether you actively notarize documents. Most surety companies do not provide refunds after issuance.
What is Remote Online Notarization (RON) and does it affect my bond? RON is the process of electronically notarizing documents when the notary and signer are in different locations, using audio-video technology to verify identity. Many states now allow RON, and some are adding specific bonding requirements for notaries who perform remote online notarizations. If you plan to offer RON services, check your state’s specific requirements, as they may differ from your standard in-person commission bond.
Conclusion
A notary bond is one of the smallest financial commitments in any professional licensing process — most cost under $100 for a four-year term — but the obligations it represents are significant. You, as the bonded notary, are the last line of defense against fraud and identity theft in every transaction you notarize. The bond makes you financially accountable for that role and gives the public a legal remedy if you fail it. Understanding that the bond protects them and not you, that the premium may be tax-deductible, that your journal is your best legal protection when claims arise, and that E&O insurance exists to cover the costs the bond does not — these are the details that turn a new notary into a professional one.
5 Interesting Things About Notary Bonds Not Found in Any of the Top 10 Sites
- The concept of a notary bond in the United States predates the country itself. Colonial-era notaries in several British-governed colonies were required to post bonds before the American Revolution, drawing from the English system of public officials being held personally financially accountable for their acts of office. The modern surety bond requirement for notaries is a direct legal descendant of this centuries-old accountability structure, not a modern regulatory invention.
- In some states, the surety that backs a notary bond is not a company at all. Several states — including Indiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee — explicitly permit “personal sureties” as an alternative to a corporate surety company. A personal surety is an individual property owner in the notary’s county who vouches financially for the notary. In Indiana’s case, the freehold surety must hold real estate worth at least $5,000 within the state. This personal surety model is a direct remnant of pre-corporate bonding practices that are now extremely rare in any other surety bond category.
- Louisiana has one of the most unusual notary systems in the United States as a result of its civil law roots, which derive from French and Spanish legal codes rather than English common law. Louisiana notaries are not simply witnesses — they are trained legal professionals authorized to draft and execute authentic acts, which carry a higher evidentiary weight in court than ordinary notarized documents. Louisiana requires a higher bond amount ($10,000) and a longer commission term (5 years) than most states, and uniquely allows E&O insurance to substitute entirely for the surety bond — reflecting the elevated professional standard its notaries are expected to meet.
- The notary bond filing requirement creates an unusual public record. Unlike most professional licenses, which are maintained in proprietary government databases, a notary’s bond is often a physically filed paper document at a county clerk’s office or Secretary of State that any member of the public can obtain by paying a nominal fee. This is intentional — it means any person who believes a notary harmed them can independently track down the bonding company and file a claim without the government acting as an intermediary. The bond’s public record status is a consumer protection feature built directly into the filing requirement.
- The surge in mortgage loan signings during real estate booms has historically created significant spikes in notary bond claims nationally — particularly in states like California, Florida, and Nevada during the mid-2000s housing boom. Signing agents who acted as notaries at loan closings were implicated in a wave of predatory lending-related fraud, where falsified documents were notarized by either complicit or negligent notaries. The aftermath drove regulatory tightening in many states, contributed to the NNA’s development of the Certified Signing Agent designation, and caused several surety companies to temporarily exit the notary bond market in high-risk states — an episode almost entirely absent from the educational resources available to new notaries today.
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