Notary Public Underwriters Blog
So… What Exactly Is a Notary Bond?
- Details
- Published: October 13, 2025
A notary bond is a type of surety bond that serves as a financial guarantee to your state government and the public. Basically, it guarantees that you'll perform your notarial duties ethically and in compliance with the law. If you don’t—and someone ends up losing money because of it—they can file a claim against your bond to recover their losses.
Some states require notaries to have a bond as part of the commissioning process. The amount varies depending on the state but usually falls somewhere between $1,000 and $50,000.
Here’s the key thing to know: the notary bond protects the public, not the notary. If you accidentally (or intentionally) make a mistake that causes someone financial harm, the bond ensures that person will be reimbursed. But it’s not a free pass for you—you’re still responsible for paying back whatever amount was paid out on your behalf.
Now, if you're wondering what protects you, that's where Errors and Omissions Insurance—also called E&O Insurance—comes in. This type of insurance helps cover you if an honest mistake happens during a notarization.
Want to learn more about E&O coverage? Check out our website or give our customer care team a call at 800-821-0831. We’re happy to help!
Related Article(s)
Test Your Notary Knowledge: Take Our Notary Quiz!
Customer Expectations Versus Notarization Requirements
Fighting Fraud: Why Notaries Should Avoid Using Signature Stamps
Tips to Protect Your Notary Stamp and Journal
How to Get More Notary Business Part 1: Optimize Your Marketing
How to Avoid Common Mistakes During a Notarization
When Can a Notary Use Personal Knowledge to Identify a Signer?
Does a Notary Need to See the Entire Document When Notarizing?
Can a Notary Correct a Mistake on the Notarial Certificate?
Notary FAQs: Essential Answers for Everyday Scenarios
Top Ten Mistakes That Notaries Make
Can a Notary Notarize a Family Member's Signature?