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Texas Notary Surety Bond

  • What is a Texas notary bond?

    A Texas notary bond is a three-party agreement between the notary, a surety company, and the Texas Secretary of State. The surety guarantees that the notary will perform notarial duties faithfully and according to Texas state law. If the notary’s error or misconduct causes a financial loss, the surety may pay a valid claim up to the notary bond amount and then typically seeks reimbursement from the notary for what it paid.

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  • Why do I need a notary surety bond in Texas?

    Texas notary law requires all notary applicants to provide proof of a four-year, $10,000 notary bond in order to receive a notary commission.

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  • What is the notary surety bond amount required under Texas law?

    Texas requires notaries to obtain a four-year, $10,000 notary surety bond.

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  • Where can I order a four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond?

    You can order a four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond from the American Association of Notaries (AAN). Your notary bond is available for immediate download after checkout (24/7), along with step-by-step instructions for filing it with the Texas Secretary of State. You can also purchase a notary bond from any bonding agency licensed to do business in Texas. Click here to order a four-year, $10,000 Texas notary bond.

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  • How soon can I get my Texas notary bond after I place my order?

    Your Texas notary bond is downloadable immediately after checkout, along with step-by-step instructions for filing it yourself on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. If we file your notary application with the secretary of state, we will also provide you with a copy of your notary bond for your records. You can also download it anytime by logging in to your account and going to "My Documents."

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  • How much does a $10,000 notary bond cost in Texas?

    A $10,000 Texas notary bond costs $50 and covers the full four-year notary term.

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  • Do I need to order a Texas notary bond to apply for a Texas notary commission?

    Yes. Texas requires all notary applicants to obtain a four-year, $10,000 surety bond and provide proof of the bond as part of the Texas notary application.

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  • I am in the process of renewing my Texas notary commission. Do I need to order a new notary bond for the new notary term?

    Yes. To renew your Texas notary commission, you must obtain a new $10,000 surety bond for the new term and submit proof of the bond as part of your renewal application.

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  • Does a Texas notary bond protect the notary?

    No. A Texas notary bond is intended to protect the public, not the notary. If a claim is paid on the notary bond due to the notary’s mistake or misconduct, the notary surety company may pay the harmed party, and the notary is typically required to reimburse the notary surety company. To protect yourself, consider errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which cover certain unintentional notarization-related mistakes.

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  • What’s the difference between a Texas notary bond and notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance?

    A Texas notary bond is a state-required surety bond that protects the public. If a valid claim is paid because of a notary’s error or misconduct, the surety may pay the harmed party (up to the notary bond amount) and the notary is typically required to reimburse the surety.

    Notary E&O insurance is optional coverage that helps protect the notary. It pays for claims, damages, and legal defense costs arising from unintentional notarization-related mistakes, up to the policy limit. E&O insurance does not replace the notary bond requirement and usually does not cover intentional wrongdoing or fraud.

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  • What is a Texas notary bond rider?

    A Texas notary bond rider (endorsement) is a document issued by the surety company that updates or corrects information on an existing notary bond—such as a notary name change or a bond effective/expiration date correction. For example, you may need a bond rider if you want to receive your notary commission under a new legal name.

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  • I changed my name. How do I obtain a notary bond rider?

    Contact the bonding agency that issued your notary bond and request a bond rider showing your new legal name.

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  • What should I do if I receive notice of a claim against my Texas notary bond?

    Contact your surety company right away and respond promptly to the surety’s questions about the claim. Gather supporting records (such as your notary journal entry and any related documents) and cooperate with the investigation. If you have E&O insurance, notify your insurer as well. If the surety pays a valid claim, you are typically responsible for reimbursing the surety.

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  • How do I file my Texas notary bond with the Texas Secretary of State?

    We are approved by the Texas Secretary of State to submit notary applications and bonds on behalf of Texas notary applicants who apply through our website. However, if you purchase a Texas notary bond from us and choose to file on your own, you can download your bond immediately after checkout, along with step-by-step instructions for submitting your application and uploading your bond through the Texas Secretary of State’s portal. Click here to order a notary bond and start a notary application.

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Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions. 

Notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company, Universal Surety of America, or Surety Bonding Company of America, which are subsidiaries of CNA Surety.