What is a notary bond?

Notary bonds protect the public against errors or misconduct by a commissioned notary public. Required to obtain or renew a notary commission in most states. Individuals seeking or renewing a notary public commission in states that require a bond (most do, with amounts varying widely).

Notary Bond Cost & Requirements | Cornerstone Surety Bonds

Overview

A notary bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by a commissioned notary public. Most states require it to obtain or renew a notary commission, so the bond gives members of the public a recovery path if a notarization is mishandled.

The required amount is set by the state and is usually modest, and the bond term typically matches the commission term (often four years). Because the amounts are small, underwriting is simple and the bond is quick to issue.

It is a surety bond that protects the public, not the notary. A notary who wants to protect themselves usually adds separate errors and omissions insurance.

Who needs this bond

Individuals seeking or renewing a notary public commission in states that require a bond (most do, with amounts varying widely).

Who Needs a Notary Bond? →

Typical amount and term

Bond amount commonly 5,000 to 25,000 dollars. Premium 30 to 100 dollars for the full commission term (typically 4 years).

See Notary bond cost details

What this bond costs

Your premium is a small percentage of the bond amount, set by underwriting. The biggest drivers:

The state-set bond amount
The length of the commission term
Whether errors and omissions coverage is added

Scenario	Bond amount	Estimated premium
Lower state amount	$5,000 bond	around $30 to $50 for the term
Common state amount	$10,000 bond	around $50 for the term
Higher state amount	$25,000 bond	around $75 to $100 for the term

Figures are illustrative premium ranges, not quotes or statutory amounts. Your rate depends on the bond amount your obligee requires and your underwriting profile.

Notary bond by the numbers

US jurisdictions we track require a notary bond: 29 of 51US jurisdictions we track require a notary bondSource: state statutes compiled in the Cornerstone bond cost index, data as of 2026-06-17. Notary bond cost index
statutory bond amounts across the 29 states that publish one: $500 to $50,000statutory bond amounts across the 29 states that publish oneSource: state statutes compiled in the Cornerstone bond cost index, data as of 2026-06-17. Notary bond cost index
median statutory bond amount across those states: $10,000median statutory bond amount across those statesSource: state statutes compiled in the Cornerstone bond cost index, data as of 2026-06-17. Notary bond cost index

What you will need

Notary commission application
Name and county of commission

How to apply

Send commission details and term
Receive an instant quote
Bond issued and mailed for filing with the secretary of state

How a surety bond differs from insurance

A notary bond protects the public, not the notary. If the surety pays a claim, the notary repays it. Notaries who want to cover their own liability add errors and omissions insurance, which is a separate, optional purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Does a notary bond protect me?

No. It protects the public. If you want to cover your own liability for an honest mistake, add notary errors and omissions insurance, which is separate.

How much does a notary bond cost?

Most notaries pay a flat 30 to 100 dollars for the full commission term, typically four years, with no credit check. The price tracks your state's required bond amount; the examples here are illustrative.

How much notary bond coverage does my state require?

Each state sets the amount in statute, commonly between 5,000 and 25,000 dollars. Your commissioning authority's application instructions state the exact figure.

How long does the bond last?

Typically the length of your notary commission, often four years, after which it is renewed with your commission.

Is a notary bond required?

In most states, yes, as a condition of obtaining or renewing a commission. A few states do not require one.

More additional bonds

Reviewed by the Cornerstone Surety bond team. Last reviewed 2026-07-29. Last verified July 29, 2026.