Notary Public Bond in New York

What this bond requires in New York

New York is one of the few states that does not require a surety bond for notaries public. Under NY Executive Law § 130, the qualifications for appointment require U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, residency or place of business in New York, good moral character, and passing the notary examination (attorneys and qualified court clerks are exempt). The only formal filings are the application (DOS-1246), the signed Oath of Office (DOS-2201) filed with the Department of State, and payment of the $60 fee. No surety bond is mandated by statute or by the Department of State. A notary may voluntarily purchase an errors and omissions policy, but it is not required by the state.

Who requires it

The notary public bond is required by the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services under NY Executive Law § 130 (Appointment of notaries public) and § 131 (Procedure of appointment, fees, commissions); oath of office filed pursuant to NY Public Officers Law § 10.

How to file in New York

Applicants submit a completed Notary Public Application (DOS-1246) along with a notarized Oath of Office (DOS-2201) and the $60 application fee to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Non-attorney/non-court-clerk applicants must first pass the New York State notary public written examination ($15 exam fee). Once the Department of State approves the application, the commission is issued for a 4-year term. No surety bond filing is required.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a notary public bond required in New York?

New York does not require a statewide surety bond for notaries public. No bond amount is set by statute or by the Department of State.

How much is the bond in New York?

New York does not publish a single flat amount. See the state-specific notes for how it is determined.

Who requires the bond?

The bond is required by the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

How is the bond filed?

Applicants submit a completed Notary Public Application (DOS-1246) along with a notarized Oath of Office (DOS-2201) and the $60 application fee to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Non-attorney/non-court-clerk applicants must first pass the New York State notary public written examination ($15 exam fee). Once the Department of State approves the application, the commission is issued for a 4-year term. No surety bond filing is required.

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.