Notary Bond Explained: What It Is and Why You Need One
If you are becoming a notary public or renewing your commission, you have probably encountered the requirement to obtain a notary bond. Despite the term “bond,” this is not an investment and it does not work quite like other types of bonds you may be familiar with. Here is a straightforward explanation of what a notary bond is, how it works, what it costs, and why it matters.
What Is a Notary Bond?
A notary bond is a type of surety bond that protects the public from financial harm caused by a notary’s errors, negligence, or misconduct. It is essentially a guarantee backed by a surety company that says: if this notary causes financial damage to a member of the public through improper notarization, the surety company will pay the injured party up to the bond amount.
The critical thing to understand is that a notary bond protects the public, not the notary. If a claim is paid out on your bond, the surety company will come after you to recover the money. This is called indemnification. The bond is not an insurance policy for the notary — it is a financial safety net for the people the notary serves.
How a Notary Bond Works
There are three parties involved in a notary bond.
The principal is the notary public. You are the person purchasing the bond and promising to perform your duties properly.
The obligee is the state government that requires the bond. The state mandates the bond as a condition of your notary commission to protect its residents.
The surety is the bonding company that issues the bond. The surety guarantees payment to anyone harmed by the notary’s actions, up to the bond’s face value.
Here is how a claim works in practice. Suppose a notary fails to properly verify a signer’s identity, and an imposter uses a fraudulent notarization to steal property. The victim files a claim against the notary bond. The surety company investigates the claim. If valid, the surety pays the victim up to the bond amount. The surety then seeks reimbursement from the notary for the amount paid out.
Bond Amounts by State
Bond requirements and amounts vary by state. Here are some examples.
California requires a $15,000 bond. Texas requires a $10,000 bond. Florida requires a $7,500 bond. New York does not require a bond (one of the few states that does not). Colorado requires a $10,000 bond. Ohio requires no bond for standard notaries, though electronic notaries need one. Pennsylvania requires a $10,000 bond. Arizona requires a $5,000 bond. Nevada requires a $10,000 bond. Illinois requires a $5,000 bond.
The bond amounts may seem large, but they represent the maximum the surety will pay on a claim, not the cost of obtaining the bond.
How Much Does a Notary Bond Cost?
This is where most people are pleasantly surprised. A notary bond costs a small fraction of its face value. You pay a premium to the surety company, typically ranging from $30 to $100 for the entire term of your commission (usually four years).
The exact cost depends on the bond amount required by your state, your personal credit history, and the length of your commission term.
For example, a $15,000 California notary bond might cost $50 to $100 for four years. A $10,000 Texas bond might cost $40 to $80 for four years. Most notaries with decent credit will pay well under $100.
Some notary supply companies sell bond-and-supply packages that include the bond, a notary stamp, a journal, and other essentials. These bundles are often the most cost-effective way to get everything you need.
Which States Require a Notary Bond?
Most states require notaries to obtain a surety bond before receiving their commission. However, a handful of states do not require a bond. States that generally do not require a notary bond include New York, Maine, and a few others.
Even if your state does not require a bond, you may still choose to obtain one. Having a bond can provide credibility and reassurance to clients, particularly if you operate a mobile notary business or work as a notary signing agent.
Notary Bond vs Errors and Omissions Insurance
This is one of the most commonly confused distinctions in the notary world. A notary bond and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance serve different purposes and protect different people.
Notary bond: Protects the public. If you make an error that causes financial harm, the surety pays the victim and then seeks reimbursement from you. You are ultimately on the hook for the payout.
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.
Many professional notaries carry both a bond (because it is required) and E&O insurance (because it provides personal financial protection). E&O insurance is especially important for notary signing agents who handle high-value real estate transactions, where a single error could lead to a costly lawsuit.
E&O insurance typically costs between $50 and $200 per year, depending on coverage limits and the types of notarial acts you perform. Title companies and signing services often require notary signing agents to carry at least $25,000 in E&O coverage.
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 filed with the state as part of your application. If your bond lapses during your commission term, your authority to notarize may be suspended until it is reinstated.
Performing notarizations without a valid bond (in states that require one) is a violation of notary law and can result in fines, revocation of your commission, and personal liability for any damages caused.
How to Get a Notary Bond
Obtaining a notary bond is a straightforward process. Apply online through a surety bond company. Most applications take just a few minutes and require basic personal information and consent for a credit check. You will receive a quote based on your state’s bond amount and your credit profile. Pay the premium and receive your bond certificate, which you will file with your state as part of your notary application.
Reputable surety bond providers include companies like Surety Solutions, JW Surety Bonds, and surety services offered through the National Notary Association. Many notary education and supply companies also offer bonds as part of their packages.
Keeping Your Bond in Good Standing
Once you have your bond, there is not much ongoing maintenance required. Make sure your bond does not lapse before your commission expires — most bond terms align with commission terms, so this is usually automatic. If you renew your notary commission, you will need to renew your bond as well. If you change your name or other personal information during your commission term, notify your surety company and your state’s commissioning authority.
Understanding the role of your notary bond is part of being a responsible, professional notary. It is a small investment that provides important protection for the people you serve.
If you are looking for a bonded notary public, search on FindNotary.io to find qualified notaries in your area.
Related guides: Notary bond requirements by state (2026) — amounts, costs, and where to buy for all 50 states. Also see notary stamp and seal requirements, notary fees by state, and how to become a notary.
Need a bonded, insured notary? Browse our directory by service type — from mobile notary to loan signing agent — to find professionals who carry proper bonds and E&O insurance in your area.