Notary Public Bond in California

What this bond requires in California

California requires a $15,000 surety bond executed by an admitted surety insurer; a cash deposit in lieu of bond is not permitted under Government Code § 8212. The notary must file the bond together with the oath of office at the county clerk office in the county where the notary principal place of business is located within 30 calendar days of the commencement date of the commission, or the commission does not take effect. The county clerk transmits the oath to the Secretary of State while the county recorder records the bond. The $15,000 surety bond protects the public from notary misconduct and is separate and distinct from optional Errors and Omissions insurance, which protects the notary personally and is not required by the state.

Who requires it

The notary public bond is required by the California Secretary of State under California Government Code §§ 8212-8213.

How to file in California

After passing the state exam, completing the background check, and receiving the commission packet from the Secretary of State, the applicant purchases a $15,000 notary surety bond from an admitted surety insurer. Within 30 calendar days of the commission effective date, the new notary must appear in person at the county clerk office in the county of their principal place of business, present acceptable identification, take the oath of office before the county clerk, and file the executed bond and signed oath. If the bond and oath are not filed within the 30-day window, the commission does not take effect and the applicant must reapply.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a notary public bond required in California?

Yes. California requires notary public bonds issued by an admitted surety. The required amount is $15,000.

How much is the bond in California?

The bond amount is $15,000. Your annual premium is a small percentage of that, based on credit and experience.

Who requires the bond?

The bond is required by the California Secretary of State.

How is the bond filed?

After passing the state exam, completing the background check, and receiving the commission packet from the Secretary of State, the applicant purchases a $15,000 notary surety bond from an admitted surety insurer. Within 30 calendar days of the commission effective date, the new notary must appear in person at the county clerk office in the county of their principal place of business, present acceptable identification, take the oath of office before the county clerk, and file the executed bond and signed oath. If the bond and oath are not filed within the 30-day window, the commission does not take effect and the applicant must reapply.

What does the bond cover?

Surety bonds protect the obligee, not the principal. If you fail to meet the obligation the bond guarantees, the surety pays the claim and recovers from you.

Is a surety bond the same as insurance?

No. Insurance protects you. A surety bond protects whoever required the bond. You repay the surety for any claim they pay.