Notary Bonds
Notary surety bonds are required by many states when
obtaining or renewing a notary commission and are often part of the
notary application or renewal process. The surety bond helps to protect
the public from the notary's action or inaction through an agreement
to pay the obligee in an amount up to the bond coverage amount in the
event of a harmful act by the notary. The obligee is one of three parties
to the surety bond contract:
- The principal: this is the notary public, the
person being bonded.
- The obligee: this is the state, the party being
paid if a claim is made against the bond.
- The surety: the surety company exists to guarantee
payment of claims on the bond and has a right to recover any monies
paid from the notary. In this sense, the notary public is NOT protected
from financial harm by the surety bond and may want to carry notary
errors & omissions insurance to protect themselves.
If you are in the process of becoming a notary or renewing
your notary commission and need a notary bond, you've
come to the right place.