Your commission serves the public — the bond answers to it.
The bond behind your notary commission
Most states require a surety bond before commissioning a notary public. It reimburses members of the public who are harmed by a notary’s misconduct or negligence, up to the bond amount — and the notary must repay the surety. It protects the public, not the notary, which is why many notaries also carry errors-and-omissions coverage.
What a notary bond guarantees
Administered by the Secretary (or Department) of State, the notary bond must be on file before your commission is issued, commonly for a four-year term. It reimburses the public up to the bond amount for losses caused by your errors or misconduct as a notary; if the surety pays, you must repay it. Some states set a higher, separate bond for online or remote (RON) notaries.
Notary bond vs. notary E&O — the distinction that matters
This trips up almost every new notary: the bond protects the public, and you reimburse the surety for any paid claim. Errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance protects you — it covers your own liability for unintentional mistakes, with no repayment, and does not cover intentional fraud. The bond gives the notary zero personal protection no matter its amount; that is what E&O is for. E&O is optional but strongly recommended, and inexpensive.
Notary Bond requirements by state
The required amount and authority differ by state — and sometimes by city or county. Select your state below for the specifics, or request a quote and we will confirm the exact requirement that applies to you.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a notary bond protect me?
No. The bond protects the public — if it pays a claim, you must reimburse the surety. To protect yourself against liability for honest mistakes, you need separate errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance, which is optional but recommended.
How much does a notary bond cost?
Very little — often about $30–$150 for the full four-year term, depending on your state’s required bond amount. E&O coverage is a separate, modest cost.
What bond amount does my state require?
It varies by state — from $5,000 to $50,000 — and some states require none at all. Select your state below or ask us and we’ll confirm the current requirement.
How long does a notary bond last?
Usually four years, matching the notary commission term. It must be on file before the state issues your commission.
How do I get a notary bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.