California Notary Public Bond

What Is the California Notary Public Bond?

California Government Code §8212 requires each appointed notary public to file a $15,000 bond with the County Clerk in the county of their principal business address before the notary commission becomes effective. The bond covers the entire 4-year notary commission term.

The bond protects the public from financial harm caused by the notary's misconduct, negligence, or failure to comply with notary law — common claims involve:

• Notarizing without the signer present
• Failing to verify identity properly
• Notarizing a document the notary knew or should have known was fraudulent
• Improperly maintaining the journal of notarial acts

The bond does not protect the notary — for that, notaries should also carry separate errors & omissions (E&O) insurance.

Who Needs This Bond in California?

• Every commissioned California notary public — whether new commission or renewal
• Notaries changing counties must file a new bond in the new county within 30 days
• Mobile and signing-agent notaries — the bond covers all notarial acts regardless of location

The bond is required before you can take the oath and begin performing notarizations. Most candidates obtain the bond after passing the state notary exam.

How Much Will the Bond Cost?

Notary bonds are issued on a fixed schedule and do not require a credit check. Total cost for the 4-year term:

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

1. Pass the state notary exam administered by Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS HR).
2. Apply for your bond — instant approval, no credit check, payment online.
3. Receive your bond by mail within 1–3 business days.
4. File the bond with the County Clerk in your principal business county within 30 calendar days of your commission date.
5. Take the oath of office at the County Clerk and order your seal — you can begin notarizing immediately.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

California notary commissions and bonds run on a fixed 4-year term. You may apply for renewal up to 6 months before your current commission expires. Many notaries choose to add E&O insurance at renewal — the bond protects the public, but only E&O reimburses you for legal defense and settlement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need an E&O policy if I have a bond?

The bond covers the public — if you make a mistake, the surety pays the claimant up to $15,000 and then collects from you. E&O insurance protects you — it pays your defense costs and settlements without recourse against you. Most California notaries carry both.

Do I need to file the bond before or after the exam?

After. The Secretary of State first issues your commission packet (after you pass the exam), and you have 30 days from the commission date to file your bond and oath with the County Clerk.

What if I move to a different California county?

You must file a new bond and new oath in the new county within 30 days. Your existing $15,000 bond is filed with the original county clerk only and doesn't transfer.

Are signing agent notarizations covered?

Yes. The $15,000 bond covers all notarial acts performed under your California commission, including loan-signing work, regardless of where in California the act takes place.

Related: All California surety bonds · What is a surety bond? · How surety bond costs are calculated