In 30 states and the District of Columbia, anyone applying for a notary public commission is required to purchase a notary public bond. The required amount (the bond’s “penal sum”), varies by state, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
The duration or term of the bond must match that of the commission. There must be a valid bond in force at all times to prevent revocation of the commission. The bond must be renewed or replaced when an expiring commission is renewed.
A notary public bond does not provide any protection for the notary, and the damages resulting from notarial negligence or malfeasance can be quite large. Therefore, it’s common for notaries to purchase errors and omissions insurance for their own protection in addition to the required bond.
