Public Official Bond
A public official bond guarantees that an elected or appointed officeholder will do the job faithfully and account for the public money and records in their care. In most states you file it, along with your oath, before you can take office. Tell us your office and state. We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers; approval is up to the surety's underwriting. Quotes are free, and you pay only when your bond is issued.
Prefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
- Who requires it: The public body or appointing authority set by the statute that creates the office; in Texas the commissioners court approves sheriff, constable and county treasurer bonds.
- Amount: Set by each office’s own statute. In Texas a sheriff bond is $5,000 to $30,000 and a constable bond is $500 to $1,500; confirm other states with your county clerk or appointing authority.
- Timing: We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes within one business day.
What the bond guarantees
- Perform the duties the law assigns to the office.
- Collect, safeguard, pay out and account for public funds.
- Keep accurate records and hand everything to a successor.
- For sheriffs and constables, execute legal process properly.
If the official fails, the surety can pay the loss and then collects it back from the official. The bond protects the public, not the officeholder. Officers who hold court funds should also see court bonds; notaries see notary bonds.
Office-by-office examples (Texas)
| Office | Bond amount set by statute | Approved by | Payable to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheriff | $5,000 to $30,000 | Commissioners court | Governor | LGC 85.001 |
| Constable | $500 to $1,500 | Commissioners court | Governor | LGC 86.002 |
| County treasurer | Up to 0.5% of the largest general M&O budget in the preceding term, floor $5,000, ceiling $500,000 | Commissioners court | County judge | LGC 83.002 |
The amount is set by each office's own statute. Other states differ, so confirm the exact figure with your county clerk or appointing authority. Texas official bonds generally are governed by Gov't Code ch. 604. See the full Texas public official bond breakdown, including county clerk bonds.
Outside Texas, a Worcester, MA constable bond form names a $5,000 penal sum payable to the city for a calendar-year term.
Rules as of Sep 30, 2026.
Who approves the bond
Approval is set by the statute that creates the office. In Texas the commissioners court approves the sheriff, constable and treasurer bonds. Elsewhere it may be a city manager or council, a state official, or a court. Some Texas counties can self-insure in place of certain bonds; ask your county auditor or clerk before you request a quote.
Term and renewal
- The bond generally covers the term of office it is written for.
- Order your bond as soon as election results are certified, so it can be accepted before you take office.
- A new term usually means a new bond. Match effective and expiration dates to your term dates.
- A Texas treasurer's bond amount is recalculated from the county budget each term.
The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount; the carrier sets the final price. Costs are estimates only; see surety bond cost and fiduciary bonds.
Frequently asked questions
What is a public official bond?
It guarantees an official will perform the office faithfully and account for public funds. The public body is protected, not the official.
Do I pay the premium or does the county?
It depends on the statute for your office. Confirm with your county or appointing authority before you buy.
How much is a sheriff bond in Texas?
The commissioners court sets it between $5,000 and $30,000 (Loc. Gov’t Code 85.001). Your premium is a fraction of that amount, priced by underwriting.
How much is a constable bond in Texas?
Between $500 and $1,500 (Loc. Gov’t Code 86.002), payable to the governor.
How is a county treasurer bond set in Texas?
Up to 0.5% of the largest general M&O budget in the preceding term, with a $5,000 floor and $500,000 ceiling (83.002).
Is a notary bond the same thing?
No. Notary bonds are smaller, standardized and filed with the state; a county or city office bond is a different product.
Does the bond protect me if I am sued?
No. It protects the public. Personal protection is liability insurance.
What if my county or city requires a specific form?
Send the form with your quote request and we will work from it. Approval is up to the surety.
Get a public official bond quote
We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one can't write your bond, we can take it to another.
Get a bond quotePrefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
Sources (rules as of Sep 30, 2026)
- Tex. Local Gov’t Code ch. 85 (sheriff)
- Tex. Local Gov’t Code ch. 86 (constable)
- Tex. Local Gov’t Code ch. 83 (county treasurer)
- Tex. Gov’t Code ch. 604 (official bonds)
- Worcester, MA constable bond form
Rules as of Sep 30, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the agency before you file. General information, not legal advice.