Becoming (or renewing as) a California Notary Public is a smart way to serve your community and add value to your business. But there’s one legal must-have that trips people up: the notary bond. Many call it “notary bond insurance,” but in California it’s legally a $15,000 surety bond that protects the public—not the notary. Below is a plain-English, step-by-step guide that explains what the bond is, why it matters in California, and exactly how to get it filed on time.
Why this Matters in California
California has one of the largest notary populations in the U.S., with heavy demand concentrated in urban areas—access is more than 3× higher in cities than in rural communities. That means getting commissioned (and properly bonded) helps everyday people and small businesses close real-estate deals, adopt documents, and handle financial paperwork without delays.
State law requires every notary public to purchase a $15,000 official bond for the 4-year commission term. This bond is a promise—backed by a licensed surety company—that if someone is harmed by a notary’s misconduct or neglect, there’s money available to compensate them. Importantly, it’s not personal insurance; if a claim is paid out, the surety can seek reimbursement from the notary.
The Legal Basics (in simple terms)
- Bond amount and form: California Government Code §8212 sets the bond at $15,000 and requires it to be issued by an admitted surety insurer.
- Who’s protected: If a signer or business is harmed by a notary’s misconduct/neglect, both the notary and the surety can be sued for damages under §8214. (That’s why good habits—and optional E&O insurance—matter.)
- Where/when to file: You must file your oath of office and the original bond with the county clerk where your principal business is located no later than 30 calendar days after your commission start date. No extensions for mail delays.
Step-by-step: How to Get Bonded (and keep your commission on track)
1) Complete the state-approved Education
New and renewing applicants must take a 6-hour course approved by the California Secretary of State (SOS). This is required even if you’ve been a notary before.
2) Pass the California Notary Exam
After your course, take and pass the state exam. You’ll apply to the SOS and, once you pass, you’ll receive instructions for background checks and next steps. (Processing time can be affected by background checks.)
3) Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
California requires a background check. Do Live Scan after you pass the exam; you’ll pay DOJ/FBI fees plus the local “rolling” fee at the site. Keep your receipts.
4) Purchase your $15,000 Notary Bond
Buy your bond from an admitted surety insurer (many providers sell the bond bundled with supplies). Make sure the effective dates match your commission term and that your name on the bond exactly matches your commission name.
Quick tip: A bond is not your protection—it’s for the public. Consider optional Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs if you make a mistake. Industry and state materials clearly distinguish the two.
5) File your oath and bond with the county clerk
File in person if you can, or by mail with enough lead time. By law, the oath + original bond must reach the county clerk before or within 30 days after your commission start date—no exceptions for mail delays. Some counties also record the bond (they’ll tell you if a cover sheet or extra copies are needed).
6) Get your seal and journal; start notarizing
Once filed, order a seal (it must match your commission name) and keep a sequential journal. California is strict about journal custody and delivery if your commission ends; mishandling can lead to penalties.
Notary Bond Insurance vs. E&O: What’s the Difference?
- Notary bond (required): Protects the public up to $15,000 if you commit misconduct/neglect. If the surety pays a claim, they can seek reimbursement from you.
- E&O insurance (optional): Protects you (the notary) from covered mistakes and defense costs, above and beyond the bond. Many California notaries purchase it because civil damages can exceed $15,000.
Example: If a notary verifies an identity incorrectly and a business loses money, the injured party may claim against the bond. If the loss is $25,000, the bond could cover up to $15,000, and the notary may still be personally responsible for the rest—unless they have E&O to cover the gap. (California law allows injured parties to seek all damages for official misconduct.)
Deadlines and Details that Cause the Most Trouble
- The 30-day clock: Miss it and you risk starting over. The SOS explicitly notes there are no exceptions for mailing or processing delays. File early.
- Name changes: If you change your name, you must file an amended oath and bond within 30 days and get a new seal; until then, you can’t use the old name to notarize.
- Processing times vary: Commission issuance can be delayed waiting for DOJ background checks—plan ahead, especially if your business depends on uninterrupted notarizations.
What’s New: Online Notarization is Coming
California passed SB 696 (the Online Notarization Act) in 2023. It modernizes notarization in stages. Key points for now:
- The law took effect Jan 1, 2024, but California notaries aren’t authorized to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) yet. Full in-state RON begins when the SOS completes its technology project, or by Jan 1, 2030 at the latest (unless extended).
- California already recognizes properly executed out-of-state RON notarizations where RON is legal, which helps real estate and interstate transactions today.
This matters to Californians—especially rural residents and busy businesses—because RON will eventually make notarizations more accessible and faster, while keeping strong identity checks and record-keeping rules.
Practical Checklist for Californians
- Take the state-approved 6-hour course.
- Pass the exam; submit your application to the SOS.
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting after you pass.
- Purchase your $15,000 notary bond from an admitted surety.
- File your oath + original bond with the county clerk within 30 days of your commission start date.
- Order your seal and journal; follow journal custody rules.
- Consider E&O insurance for personal protection.
Final word: Serve Confidently—and Protect the Public
If you remember only one thing, let it be this: the notary bond exists to protect Californians. It’s why the law sets the amount, the filing deadline, and the county process. Pair your required bond with good training, careful ID checks, and (optionally) E&O insurance, and you’ll be ready to serve neighbors and businesses with confidence—today and as California rolls out online notarization in the years ahead.