Notary Bonds

Notary Bond Guide

Most states require a notary bond before they'll issue your notary commission. It protects the public if a notary makes a mistake — and it's one of the fastest, easiest bonds to buy, with no credit check. Here's how it works and what it costs in your state.

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Purpose: Guarantee that notaries carry out their duties honestly and within the law
Who needs it: Anyone applying for a notary commission (required in most states)
Regulated by: Your state's notary licensing office, often the Secretary of State
Bond amount: Varies by state, commonly $5,000–$25,000
Premium: Typically $30–$80, with no credit check
Term: Matches your state's notary commission period

What is a notary bond?

A notary bond is a surety bond that many states require as a condition of your notary commission. It guarantees that you'll perform your notarial duties ethically and lawfully. If a notary fails that obligation, the state or a harmed party can file a claim against the bond; when a claim is valid, the bond pays the harmed party up to the bond amount. That protects both the state and the public from financial loss. The notary is ultimately responsible for repaying the surety for any claim it pays.

How do you get a notary bond?

Notary bonds are among the quickest and easiest bonds to buy. They're issued instantly with no underwriting — most applications ask only for your name, address and phone number, so you can typically be bonded in just a few minutes.

How much does a notary bond cost?

Cost depends on your state and the required bond amount. As a rough guide:

A $5,000 bond usually runs about $35–$100
A $10,000 bond is around $60–$150
A $15,000 bond is typically $60–$150
A $25,000 bond generally costs between $80 and $180

There's no credit check for a notary bond — your price is set by your state's required amount, not your credit.

Find your state's notary bond cost

Notary bonds are available nationwide. Pick your state to search and get a quote.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA DC WV WI WY

Why do notaries need a surety bond?

Notaries are trusted with real legal authority, and a careless or dishonest notary can cause serious harm to the people they serve. A notary bond makes sure consumers are protected financially if a notary does something wrong.

Notary bond vs. errors & omissions (E&O) insurance

These are often confused, but they protect different people. A notary bond protects the public — it covers others who are harmed by a notary's mistake. Errors & omissions insurance is optional professional liability coverage that protects the notary, paying to defend and cover claims arising from an honest mistake, up to the policy limit. Many notaries carry both: the bond because the state requires it, and E&O for their own protection.

What is remote online notarization (RON)?

Many states now allow remote online notarization — notarizing documents electronically over live video instead of meeting the signer in person. Rules, registration and any extra bonding or technology requirements vary by state, so check your state's specific RON requirements before offering online notarizations.

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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Notary bond amounts and requirements are set by each state and are subject to change.