Notary Public Bond in Montana

What this bond requires in Montana

Montana Code Annotated 1-5-405 requires all commissioned notaries to submit a $25,000 surety bond approved and filed with the Secretary of State, valid for the four-year commission term. The bond must come from a licensed surety provider, and applicants must use the standardized Montana notary surety bond form (required for any commission effective October 1, 2019 or later). The bond effective date must be within 30 days before or after the date the Application for Appointment as a Montana Notary Public is received in the Secretary of State office.

Who requires it

The notary public bond is required by the Montana Secretary of State, Notary Services Division under MCA 1-5-405 (Montana Notary Public Act, substantially revised 2017).

How to file in Montana

Complete the Montana notary education course and exam, then obtain a $25,000 surety bond using the standardized Secretary of State form. Submit the application, executed bond, oath of office, and application fee to the Montana Secretary of State Notary Services office; the bond effective date must fall within 30 days before or after receipt. Once reviewed and approved, the commission is issued for four years.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a notary public bond required in Montana?

Yes. Montana requires notary public bonds issued by an admitted surety. The required amount is $25,000.

How much is the bond in Montana?

The bond amount is $25,000. Your annual premium is a small percentage of that, based on credit and experience.

Who requires the bond?

The bond is required by the Montana Secretary of State, Notary Services Division.

How is the bond filed?

Complete the Montana notary education course and exam, then obtain a $25,000 surety bond using the standardized Secretary of State form. Submit the application, executed bond, oath of office, and application fee to the Montana Secretary of State Notary Services office; the bond effective date must fall within 30 days before or after receipt. Once reviewed and approved, the commission is issued for four years.

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.