Notary Bond Requirements by State (2026): Amounts, Costs & Where to Buy
Most states require notaries to purchase a surety bond before they can be commissioned. A notary bond protects the public — not the notary — if the notary makes an error or commits misconduct. Bond amounts, costs, and whether a bond is required at all vary by state. This guide covers notary bond requirements for all 50 states in 2026, including how much you will pay, where to buy, and whether you also need errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
2026 Notary Bond Requirements by State
| State | Bond Required? | Bond Amount | Approx. Annual Cost | E&O Insurance Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | — | — | No |
| Alaska | No | — | — | No |
| Arizona | Yes | $5,000 | $30-50 | No |
| Arkansas | Yes | $7,500 | $35-50 | No |
| California | Yes | $15,000 | $40-60 | No (recommended) |
| Colorado | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Connecticut | No | — | — | No |
| Delaware | No | — | — | No |
| Florida | Yes | $7,500 | $30-50 | No |
| Georgia | No | — | — | No |
| Hawaii | Yes | $1,000 | $25-40 | No |
| Idaho | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Illinois | Yes | $5,000 | $30-50 | No |
| Indiana | Yes | $25,000 | $50-80 | No |
| Iowa | No | — | — | No |
| Kansas | Yes | $7,500 | $30-50 | No |
| Kentucky | No | — | — | No |
| Louisiana | Yes | $10,000 | $35-60 | No |
| Maine | No | — | — | No |
| Maryland | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Massachusetts | No | — | — | No |
| Michigan | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Minnesota | Yes | $20,000 | $40-70 | No |
| Mississippi | Yes | $5,000 | $25-40 | No |
| Missouri | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Montana | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Nebraska | Yes | $15,000 | $40-60 | No |
| Nevada | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| New Hampshire | No | — | — | No |
| New Jersey | No | — | — | No |
| New Mexico | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| New York | No | — | — | No |
| North Carolina | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| North Dakota | Yes | $7,500 | $30-50 | No |
| Ohio | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | Yes — $5,000 minimum |
| Oklahoma | Yes | $1,000 | $25-35 | No |
| Oregon | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Rhode Island | No | — | — | No |
| South Carolina | No | — | — | No |
| South Dakota | Yes | $5,000 | $25-40 | No |
| Tennessee | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Texas | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| Utah | Yes | $5,000 | $25-40 | No |
| Vermont | No | — | — | No |
| Virginia | No | — | — | No |
| Washington | Yes | $10,000 | $35-50 | No |
| West Virginia | Yes | $5,000 | $25-40 | No |
| Wisconsin | Yes | $500 | $20-30 | No |
| Wyoming | Yes | $500 | $20-30 | No |
Bond amounts based on state notary statutes as of 2026. Actual premium costs depend on the surety company and the applicant’s credit history. Verify current requirements with your state’s Secretary of State.
Key Statistics
- 33 states require notary bonds
- 17 states do not require a bond (Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and one or two others depending on classification)
- Bond amounts range from $500 (Wisconsin, Wyoming) to $25,000 (Indiana)
- Most common bond amount: $10,000 (about 20 states)
- Annual cost: Typically $25 to $80 depending on bond amount and credit score
- Only Ohio requires both a surety bond AND errors and omissions insurance
What Is a Notary Bond?
A notary bond is a type of surety bond — a three-party agreement between:
- The principal (you, the notary) — the person required to obtain the bond
- The surety (the bonding company) — guarantees payment if a claim is made
- The obligee (the state/public) — the party protected by the bond
If you make an error that causes someone financial harm — such as notarizing a forged signature or failing to properly verify identity — the injured party can file a claim against your bond. The surety company pays the claim (up to the bond amount) and then seeks reimbursement from you.
A notary bond is NOT insurance. It does not protect you. It protects the public. If a claim is paid on your bond, you are personally liable to repay the surety company.
Bond vs E&O Insurance: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Notary Bond | E&O Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Protects | The public | You (the notary) |
| Who pays claims | Surety pays public, then you repay surety | Insurance company pays, you pay deductible |
| Required in | 33 states | Only Ohio (mandatory). Recommended everywhere. |
| Covers | Notary errors and misconduct | Honest mistakes and negligence |
| Typical cost | $25-80/year | $20-60/year |
| Coverage amount | $500-$25,000 (state-set) | $5,000-$25,000 (you choose) |
Many notary organizations recommend purchasing both a bond (where required) and E&O insurance (even where not required) for complete protection.
How Much Does a Notary Bond Cost?
The annual premium for a notary bond is typically a small percentage of the bond amount:
| Bond Amount | Typical Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| $500 | $20-30 |
| $1,000 | $25-35 |
| $5,000 | $25-45 |
| $7,500 | $30-50 |
| $10,000 | $35-55 |
| $15,000 | $40-65 |
| $20,000 | $40-75 |
| $25,000 | $50-85 |
Premiums depend on the bond amount and your credit score. Notaries with good credit (680+) typically qualify for the lowest rates. Some surety companies offer bonds with no credit check at slightly higher premiums.
Most bonds are issued for the duration of your notary commission (typically 4 years) and can be paid as a one-time lump sum or annually.
Where to Buy a Notary Bond
| Provider | Pros | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| National Notary Association (NNA) | Bundle with supplies, stamp, E&O | $35-60/year |
| Notary.net | Online, fast turnaround | $30-50/year |
| Surety Solutions | Specialized in surety bonds | $25-50/year |
| Your state’s Secretary of State | Some states offer bonds through approved vendors | Varies |
| Local insurance agent | Personal service, bundling options | $35-60/year |
Many providers offer notary supply packages that bundle the bond, stamp, journal, and E&O insurance at a discounted price. These packages typically cost $75 to $150 for a 4-year commission term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all states require a notary bond?
No. As of 2026, 33 states require notary bonds. The 17 states that do not require bonds include large states like New York, Virginia, and Georgia. Even in states without a bond requirement, some notaries choose to carry one voluntarily.
What happens if someone files a claim against my notary bond?
The surety company investigates the claim. If valid, the surety pays the claimant up to the bond amount. The surety then seeks reimbursement from you for the amount paid plus any investigation costs. This is why E&O insurance is recommended — it covers your defense costs and any claims resulting from honest errors.
Can I be a notary without a bond?
Only in states that do not require one. In the 33 states that mandate bonds, you cannot receive your notary commission until the bond is filed with the state. Performing notarizations without an active bond in a state that requires one is illegal.
How long does a notary bond last?
Most notary bonds last for the duration of your notary commission, typically 4 years. When you renew your commission, you must also renew your bond. Some states allow continuous bonds that renew automatically with annual premium payments.
What is the difference between a notary bond and notary insurance?
A notary bond protects the public from your mistakes — if you cause harm, the bond pays the injured party, and then you owe the surety company. Notary E&O insurance protects you — if you make an honest error, the insurance pays for your defense and any damages, minus your deductible. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Starting your notary career? Learn about notary fees by state, stamp requirements, and journal requirements — or search for notaries near you on FindNotary.io.