Do I Need a Notary Bond? (Requirements by State)
If you are applying for a notary commission or renewing one, the question of whether you need a notary bond is one of the first things you will encounter. The answer depends on your state, but for most notaries, the answer is yes. Here is a clear, state-by-state guide to notary bond requirements, costs, and what you need to know.
What Is a Notary Bond?
A notary bond is a surety bond that protects the public — not the notary — from financial harm caused by a notary’s errors, negligence, or misconduct. If a notary improperly notarizes a document and someone suffers a financial loss as a result, the injured party can file a claim against the notary’s bond for compensation up to the bond amount.
The key point that many new notaries misunderstand is that a bond is not insurance for the notary. If the surety company pays a claim on your bond, they will seek reimbursement from you. You are ultimately responsible for the payout. The bond simply guarantees that the injured party will be compensated even if the notary cannot pay.
Which States Require a Notary Bond?
The majority of states require notaries to purchase a surety bond before receiving their commission. Here is a breakdown of bond requirements and amounts by state.
States Requiring a Notary Bond (with Bond Amounts)
- Arizona: $5,000
- California: $15,000
- Colorado: $10,000
- Connecticut: varies
- Florida: $7,500
- Georgia: varies by county
- Idaho: $10,000
- Illinois: $5,000
- Indiana: $25,000
- Iowa: varies
- Kansas: $7,500
- Kentucky: varies
- Louisiana: $10,000
- Michigan: $10,000
- Minnesota: varies
- Mississippi: $5,000
- Missouri: $10,000
- Montana: $10,000
- Nebraska: $15,000
- Nevada: $10,000
- New Hampshire: varies
- New Mexico: $10,000
- North Carolina: $10,000
- North Dakota: $7,500
- Ohio: not required for standard notaries (required for electronic notaries)
- Oklahoma: $1,000
- Oregon: $10,000
- Pennsylvania: $10,000
- South Carolina: varies
- South Dakota: varies
- Texas: $10,000
- Utah: $5,000
- Virginia: varies
- Washington: $10,000
- West Virginia: varies
- Wisconsin: $500
- Wyoming: $500 to $10,000
States That Do Not Require a Notary Bond
A handful of states do not require a surety bond for standard notary commissions. These generally include New York, Maine, and a few others. Even if your state does not require a bond, you may still choose to obtain one for professional credibility, especially if you plan to work as a mobile notary or loan signing agent.
How Much Does a Notary Bond Cost?
This is where most applicants are pleasantly surprised. Despite the large face values ($5,000 to $25,000), the actual cost of purchasing a notary bond is a small fraction of its face value. You pay a premium to the surety company, not the full bond amount.
Typical Bond Premiums
- $5,000 bond: $25 to $50 for a four-year term
- $7,500 bond: $30 to $60 for a four-year term
- $10,000 bond: $40 to $80 for a four-year term
- $15,000 bond: $50 to $100 for a four-year term
- $25,000 bond: $75 to $150 for a four-year term
Your exact premium depends on your credit history, the bond amount, and the length of your commission term. Applicants with good credit pay on the lower end, while those with poor credit may pay slightly more. Even with below-average credit, the premium rarely exceeds $150 for a four-year term.
Many notary supply companies sell package deals that include the bond, a notary stamp, a journal, and other supplies. These bundles are often the most cost-effective way to get everything you need at once.
Notary Bond vs Errors and Omissions Insurance
This distinction is critical because many notaries confuse the two. They serve different purposes and protect different parties.
Notary Bond
Protects the public. If you make a notarial error that causes someone financial harm, the surety pays the claim (up to the bond amount) and then comes after you for reimbursement. Required by law in most states. Costs $25 to $100 for the full commission term.
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Protects you, the notary. If someone sues you for a notarial error, your E&O insurance covers your legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments, up to your policy limits. The insurance company does not seek reimbursement from you. Optional in most states but highly recommended. Costs $50 to $200 per year.
If you work as a loan signing agent, E&O insurance is effectively mandatory. Title companies and signing services require signing agents to carry minimum E&O coverage, typically $25,000 to $100,000. The investment is small compared to the potential liability of a single error in a real estate closing.
Many experienced notaries carry both a bond (because the state requires it) and E&O insurance (because it provides personal financial protection). For detailed guidance on building a signing agent career, see our notary signing agent guide.
How to Get a Notary Bond
The process is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes online.
Step 1. Choose a surety bond provider. Reputable options include Surety Solutions, JW Surety Bonds, the National Notary Association, and various notary supply companies.
Step 2. Complete the application. You will provide basic personal information and consent to a soft credit check. The application takes five to ten minutes.
Step 3. Receive your quote and pay the premium. Most applicants are approved instantly with a quoted premium.
Step 4. Receive your bond certificate. This is the document you will file with your state as part of your notary application. Many surety companies deliver it digitally within hours.
Step 5. File the bond with your state. This is typically done as part of your notary commission application. Some states require you to file the bond with both the state and your county clerk.
What Happens If You Do Not Get a Bond?
In states that require a bond, you simply cannot receive your notary commission without one. The bond must be submitted as part of your application. No bond means no commission.
If your bond lapses during your commission term, your authority to notarize may be suspended until the bond is reinstated. Performing notarizations without a valid bond in a state that requires one is a violation of notary law and can result in fines, commission revocation, and personal liability for any damages.
Keeping Your Bond Current
Most bond terms align with your commission term, so there is minimal ongoing maintenance. When you renew your commission, you will need to renew your bond as well. If you change your name during your commission term, notify your surety company and your state’s commissioning authority.
Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your commission and bond expiration dates to give yourself time to handle the renewal without a lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my notary bond be denied?
It is rare for a notary bond to be denied outright. Even applicants with poor credit can usually obtain a bond, though the premium may be higher. A felony conviction, particularly for fraud or dishonesty, could complicate the process, but many surety companies work with applicants who have past issues.
Does my employer pay for my notary bond?
If your employer requires you to become a notary as part of your job, they may cover the bond cost. This is common at banks, law firms, and title companies. Ask your employer before paying out of pocket.
What is the difference between a notary bond and a fidelity bond?
A notary bond protects the public from harm caused by the notary’s actions. A fidelity bond protects an employer from employee dishonesty or theft. They are different products that serve different purposes.
More on notary bonds: See our complete notary bond requirements by state (2026) for amounts, costs, and where to buy in all 50 states. Also explore notary fees by state and how to become a notary.
Looking for a bonded notary near you? Search FindNotary.io to find notaries who carry proper bonds and insurance. Browse by service type, from mobile notary to loan signing agent, to find the right professional for your needs.