Notary Bond Explained: Requirements, Cost & How to Get One
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by A notary bond is a surety bond that most states require notaries public to obtain before commissioning. It protects the public — not the notary — from financial harm caused by a notary’s mistakes or misconduct. Bond amounts range from $500 to $15,000 depending on the state, and premiums are typically $50 or less for the full commission term. A notary bond is not the same as Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects the notary.
Most new notaries are surprised to learn the bond they’re required to buy doesn’t protect them at all. The notary bond protects the public. If you want protection for yourself, that’s a separate product — E&O insurance. This guide explains the difference, what notary bonds cost in each state, and how to get one.
For the underlying mechanics, see what is a surety bond. To shop notary bonds directly, visit the notary bonds category.
What a Notary Bond Actually Does
A notary bond is a three-party agreement:
- Principal: the notary public.
- Obligee: the state (and through it, the public).
- Surety: the bonding company.
If a notary makes an error — improper notarization, failure to verify identity, notarizing a fraudulent document — and someone suffers a financial loss as a result, that person can file a claim against the notary bond. The surety pays the claim, then collects the full amount back from the notary.
A notary bond protects the public from you, the notary. If a claim is paid, you must reimburse the surety. To protect yourself, you need Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance — a separate, optional product. Many notaries carry both.
Notary Bond vs. E&O Insurance
| Feature | Notary bond | E&O insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Protects | The public | The notary |
| Required? | Yes, in most states | Optional (recommended) |
| Reimbursement | Notary repays the surety | Insurer absorbs the loss |
| Cost | $25–$50 per term | $25–$100+ per year |
This is a textbook bonded vs. insured situation — the bond covers others, the insurance covers you. See also surety bond vs. insurance.
Notary Bond Requirements & Amounts by State
Notary bond requirements vary widely. Some states require no bond at all; others require up to $15,000. Common examples:
| State | Bond amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $15,000 | 4-year term; bond required before commission |
| Texas | $10,000 | 4-year term |
| Florida | $7,500 | 4-year term; E&O often bundled |
| Illinois | $5,000 | 4-year term (1-year for some) |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | 4-year term |
| Missouri | $10,000 | 4-year term |
| Nevada | $10,000 | 4-year term |
| New York | No bond | E&O recommended; no state bond requirement |
How Much Does a Notary Bond Cost?
Notary bonds are among the cheapest surety bonds because the risk is low and claims are rare. Typical pricing:
- $5,000 bond: $25–$40 for the full term
- $7,500 bond: $30–$45 for the full term
- $10,000 bond: $40–$50 for the full term
- $15,000 bond: $50 or less for the full term
Notary bonds are flat-rate with no credit check — your credit doesn’t affect the price. Most are issued instantly online.
Bond amounts commonly map to the $5,000 surety bond and $10,000 surety bond pages. For broader pricing, see the surety bond cost guide.
How to Get a Notary Bond
- 1. Confirm your state’s requirement. Check the bond amount and term with your commissioning authority.
- 2. Apply online. Notary bonds require minimal information — no credit check.
- 3. Pay the flat premium. Usually $50 or less for the full commission term.
- 4. Receive your bond instantly. Most notary bonds are issued by email immediately.
- 5. File with your state and complete your commission. Submit the bond with your notary application.
State-specific notary bonds: California notary bond, Texas notary bond. California notaries can also add California notary E&O insurance.
Do Notaries Need E&O Insurance Too?
E&O insurance is optional in every state, but strongly recommended. Here’s why: if a claim is filed against your notary bond and paid, you must reimburse the surety. E&O insurance covers that reimbursement (up to your policy limit), protecting your personal finances.
Notaries who do high-volume work — loan signings, real estate closings, mobile notary services — face the most exposure and benefit most from E&O coverage. Many buy a bundled bond + E&O package.
E&O options by state: California, Texas, New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a notary bond?A notary bond is a surety bond most states require notaries public to obtain before commissioning. It protects the public from financial harm caused by a notary’s errors or misconduct. The bond does not protect the notary — that’s what E&O insurance is for.
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How much does a notary bond cost?Notary bonds are inexpensive — typically $25–$50 for the full commission term (usually 4 years). They’re flat-rate with no credit check, so your credit score doesn’t affect the price. A $15,000 California notary bond, for example, usually costs $50 or less.
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Does a notary bond protect the notary?No. A notary bond protects the public. If a claim is paid against your bond, you must reimburse the surety. To protect yourself financially, you need separate Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which is optional but recommended.
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Which states require a notary bond?Most states require a notary bond, including California ($15,000), Texas ($10,000), Florida ($7,500), Illinois ($5,000), Pennsylvania ($10,000), and many others. A few states, like New York, don’t require a bond. Always verify with your state’s commissioning authority.
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What is the difference between a notary bond and E&O insurance?A notary bond protects the public and is usually required; if it pays a claim, you reimburse the surety. E&O insurance protects you, the notary, is optional, and the insurer absorbs covered losses. Many notaries carry both.
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How long does a notary bond last?In most states, a notary bond matches the commission term — typically 4 years. Some states use shorter terms. The bond must be active for the full duration of your commission.
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Can I get a notary bond with bad credit?Yes. Notary bonds are flat-rate with no credit check, so bad credit doesn’t affect approval or price. They’re among the easiest surety bonds to obtain.
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How do I get a notary bond fast?Apply online with a surety provider, pay the flat premium, and receive your bond by email — usually instantly. Notary bonds require minimal information and no underwriting, so same-day issuance is standard.
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