When you need a document notarized, whether it’s a power of attorney, real estate deed, or affidavit, you’re placing trust in a notary public service. A notary’s seal and signature authenticate your document and play an essential role in protecting your property rights, financial transactions, and legal standing.
To ensure that trust is well-placed, most commissioned notaries carry a surety bond—a built-in safeguard designed to protect the public and reinforce accountability. A notary surety bond guarantees that if an administrative error or procedural oversight occurs, affected parties have a clear process for resolution.
How a Notary Surety Bond Works
A notary surety bond is a three-party legal agreement created to protect the public and uphold confidence in notarized documents.
| Party | Role in Protecting You |
| Principal (The Notary) | Purchases the bond and remains responsible for all notarial acts |
| Obligee (State Authority) | Requires the bond to protect citizens and maintain professional standards |
| Surety (Bonding Company) | Provides financial assurance if a valid claim is made |
If a notarization error results in a verified document issue, the surety company may provide financial compensation up to the bond amount. The notary, in turn, reimburses the surety company, ensuring accountability while protecting the public.
Why States Require Notary Bonds
Most U.S. states require notary bonding before commissioning them. 82% of all surety bindings issued in the U.S. cover commissioned notary public.
For a notary public, the bond serves the following purposes:
Financial Protection: The bond serves the affected party without a lengthy legal dispute.
Professional Accountability: Ensures the notary is responsible for following law guide, and procedures.
Licensing Requirement: States will not license or renew a notary without an active bond to maintain professional order.
Public Confidence: All notaries meet the minimum state standard and have financial assurance.
How Much Protection Does a Notary Bond Provide
Bond coverage varies by state and represents the maximum amount available for valid claims during a notary’s commission term (typically 4 years).
| State | Bond Amount (Maximum Coverage) | Typical Cost (4-Year Term) |
| Florida | $7,500 | $40 to $80 |
| Texas | $10,000 | $50 to $100 |
| California | $15,000 | $38 to $70 |
| Illinois | $5,000 | $25 to $50 |
These amounts reflect the balance between reasonable access and public safety for the state’s residents. For instance, California operates in a high-volume notary environment and a $15,000 bond provides coverage relative to that risk.
Note: Some states require higher bond amounts for remote or online notarizations, such as Florida ($25,000) and Illinois ($30,000).
How Notary Bonds Protect You from Errors
Each bond reassures the consumer that the notary and his actions matter. The notary might not impact the document, but good public relations will help. State law codifies that there will be consequences, which are financial to the document in the remote/online environment.
Consumer Protection
Prepare Evidence: If a notary error impacts the document such as a missing seal, write out a witness statement and record any details.
File a Claim: You may reach out to the notary’s surety company directly. Make sure to include the notary’s name and commission number and describe the situation.
Investigation Period: The surety investigates the claim to see if the state notarial procedures were followed. This typically takes between 30 and 90 days.
Claim Resolution: If a confirmed error falls within the limits of the surety’s bond, payment will be made to the surety and will be paid out of the bond limit.
Filing a claim on a bond is rare and is usually a result of a clerical error as opposed to any malicious intent. This serves to strengthen the ethical side of the system and guarantees the legal validity of every document that is notarized.
Notary Bond vs. Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Both terms appear frequently in notarial services, but they serve different roles:
| Aspect | Notary Surety Bond | E&O Insurance |
| Protects Whom? | The public | The notary personally |
| State Requirement? | Typically required | Optional |
| Purpose | Provides direct financial protection for affected parties | Covers the notary’s defense or liability beyond bond limits |
| Typical Coverage | $5,000 to $15,000 | $25,000 to $1,000,000 or more |
The surety bond ensures protection for the public, while E&O insurance adds another layer of coverage for notaries handling high-value or complex transactions.
How to Verify a Notary’s Bond Status
Before employing a notary for significant transactions, the bond status for notary services can easily be assessed:
Examine the Commission Certificate: Notaries are legally required to provide or display a commission certificate that is current and includes bond information.
State Resources: A significant majority of states provide online access to state services for active commissions and bonds.
Ask the Notary: Directly ask for the surety company’s name, bond amount, and expiration date.
Detection of Possible Problems: Missing commission details, expired credentials, or denial when asked to confirm bond information.
Current Developments in Notary Bonding
In the United States, perhaps because of the digital remnants, the notary profession is experiencing increased demand for services for notarization and notary bonds. As of 2023, U.S. states report 8% increase in renewal of commission bonds since 2021.
With Remote online Notarization (RON) authorized in more than 40 states, market regulators have increased surety bond amounts and market rules provide equal risk to electronic notarization. Most states require notarizers to have higher surety bonds in place.
Your Protection Starts With Properly Bonded Notaries
A surety bond for a notary public is more than a safeguard; it is public protection, as well as protection for the reputation of notarization. Accountability, honesty, and certifying that every document is trustworthy a requirements for each notarization that is completed.
NotaryPlusMore provides appropriately bonded and professional care for all mobile, remote, and traditional notarization services. Thus, you can rest assured that all services provided by our certified staff are done with the utmost care.
