Notary Bond Requirements Guide
Complete state-by-state guide to notary bond requirements. Learn which 30 states require bonds, specific amounts ($500-$25,000), terms, age requirements, education, and exam requirements. Expert insights from state officials and commissioning authorities.
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Notary Bond Requirements at a Glance
30
States Require Bonds
$500-$25K
Bond Amount Range
4-8
Years Term Length
5
States Require Education
Bond Amounts by Range
States are grouped by their bond amount requirements
$500 - $1,000
Lowest bond requirements
Delaware
Hawaii
Kentucky
Oklahoma
$1,500 - $2,000
Low bond amounts
Iowa
Minnesota
$5,000 - $7,500
Mid-range requirements
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Mississippi
$10,000 - $15,000
Standard bond amounts
California
Colorado
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
$25,000
Highest bond requirements
Alabama
Georgia
Indiana
Montana
Ohio
General Requirements Across States
Common requirements that apply to most notary commissioning processes
Age Requirements
- Most states: 18 years old minimum
- Alabama: 21 years old minimum
- Nebraska: 19 years old minimum
- Some states may have additional age-related restrictions
Residency Requirements
- Must be a resident of the commissioning state (most states)
- Some states allow non-residents with business presence
- Military personnel may have special provisions
- Border state reciprocity in some cases
Background Requirements
- Clean criminal background (varies by state)
- No felony convictions (most states)
- No notary-related violations in past
- Good moral character requirement
Education Requirements
- Required in: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Texas
- State-approved courses only
- Typically 3-6 hours of instruction
- Some states require periodic renewal education
Examination Requirements
- Required in: Arizona (2025), California, Ohio
- Covers state notary laws and procedures
- Passing score typically 70-80%
- May be retaken if failed (fees apply)
Step-by-Step Application Process
General process for obtaining a notary commission in bond-required states
1
Check State Requirements
Verify if your state requires a notary bond and determine the specific amount and term.
- State residency verification
- Age requirement check
- Background eligibility
2
Complete Education (If Required)
Take state-approved notary education course in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, or Texas.
- State-approved course provider
- 3-6 hours instruction
- Certificate of completion
3
Pass State Exam (If Required)
Take and pass the notary exam in Arizona, California, or Ohio.
- Study state notary laws
- Schedule exam appointment
- Achieve passing score
4
Obtain Notary Bond
Purchase your required notary bond before submitting commission application.
- Choose licensed surety
- Pay bond premium
- Receive bond certificate
5
Submit Commission Application
File complete application package with state commissioning authority.
- Completed application form
- Bond certificate
- Education/exam certificates
- Application fee
6
Take Oath of Office
Complete oath of office and file with appropriate county or state office.
- Oath ceremony attendance
- Oath filing
- Commission certificate receipt
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Get Instant Bond NowComplete State-by-State Requirements
Detailed requirements for all 30 states that require notary bonds
| State | Bond Amount | Term | Min Age | Exam | Education | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25,000 | 4 years | 21 | No | No | 21+ age requirement, highest bond amount |
| Arizona | $5,000 | 4 years | 18 | Required | No | Exam required starting 2025 |
| Arkansas | $7,500 | 4 years | 18 | No | Required | Education required |
| California | $15,000 | 4 years | 18 | Required | No | Exam required, second highest bond amount |
| Colorado | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | Required | Education required |
| Delaware | $1,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Low bond amount, minimal requirements |
| Florida | $7,500 | 4 years | 18 | No | Required | Education mandatory |
| Georgia | $25,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | High bond requirement |
| Hawaii | $1,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Island state, low bond amount |
| Idaho | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Standard requirements |
| Illinois | $5,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | $25,000 for e-notaries |
| Indiana | $25,000 | 8 years | 18 | No | No | Longest term in nation (8 years) |
| Iowa | $2,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Low bond amount |
| Kansas | $7,500 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Standard requirements |
| Kentucky | $1,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Low bond amount |
| Louisiana | $10,000 | 5 years | 18 | No | No | 5-year term |
| Michigan | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Standard requirements |
| Minnesota | $1,500 | 5 years | 18 | No | No | 5-year term |
| Mississippi | $5,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Standard requirements |
| Missouri | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | Required | Education required |
| Montana | $25,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | High bond requirement |
| Nebraska | $15,000 | 4 years | 19 | No | No | Higher bond amount, 19+ age requirement |
| Nevada | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Standard requirements |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | 5 years | 18 | No | No | 5-year term |
| Ohio | $25,000 | 5 years | 18 | Required | No | 5-year term, exam required |
| Oklahoma | $1,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Low bond amount |
| Oregon | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Standard requirements |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | File within 45 days |
| Tennessee | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | No | Standard requirements |
| Texas | $10,000 | 4 years | 18 | No | Required | Education required |
States That Don't Require Notary Bonds
The following 20 states do not require notary bonds for commissioning
Alaska
Connecticut
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Virginia
New Mexico
North Dakota
South Dakota
Vermont
Utah
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
While these states don't require bonds, E&O insurance is still strongly recommended for professional protection.
Ask About E&O Insurance OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about notary bond requirements across states
State-Specific Notary Bond Pages
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