Alabama Notary Public Bond

Why do I need a surety bond for my Alabama Notary Public commission?

This surety bond is required by the Alabama Secretary of State for any individual applying for an Alabama Notary Public Commission. It serves as a protective measure for the public against financial damages that may result from negligence or fraud on behalf of the Notary Public.

A surety bond is a three-way agreement between a Principal (the individual applying for the Notary Public commission), the Obligee (the Alabama Secretary of State), and a surety company (the company backing the bond). A surety bond does not function like an insurance policy for the Principal; instead, it is a guarantee to the Obligee that the Principal understands and agrees to comply with all duties and obligations pertaining to their commission. These duties and obligations can be found in the Code of Alabama: Act 2011-295.

This $25,000 runs for 4 years, concurrent to the Notary Public Commission, and costs $100 for the entire term. Depending on the Parish you are applying for a commission in, you may be required to file your surety bond before your commission is issued, or will receive your commission before filing for a bond. If you are unsure of the order for your commission, consult your county probate judge.

In the event that the Notary Public violates the terms of their commission, a claim will be filed against their bond to cover any financial damages. The surety company will pay the initial damages, at which point the Principal is required to repay the surety company for the full amount. In addition to repayment, the surety company may revoke the surety bond, at which point the commission will be invalid until a new bond is filed.

Understand that a claim against your bond will complicate any future surety bond applications. Think of a claim as a mark against your “credit” in the surety market. A surety bond is an indication of competence and trust, and a claim signals an inability to follow the guidelines properly.

What does the bond cover?

The bond protects the public if the notary makes an intentional or unintentional mistake that causes financial damage to the public.

Who needs this bond?

Anyone applying for a Notary Public commission in the State of Alabama must file this bond. Some counties require this bond to be submitted before the commission is issued - others simply require that it is filed and active for the entire duration of the commission.

How much does this bond cost?

This $25,000 bond costs $100 ($70 premium + $30 fee) and runs for the entire duration of the 4-year Notary Public commission.

How do I apply?

To apply for your Alabama Notary Public Bond, complete and submit the application below. You may also download a .pdf application, and email it to apps@www.southcoastsurety.com, or fax it to (949)361-9926. If you choose to email or fax your application, please download and complete a payment form and attach it to your documents.
Your bond will be issued within 1-3 days after you submit a completed application and payment.
Be sure to include the Parish you will be receiving your commission from, as well as a copy of your commission OR the term dates.

Please note that each county in Alabama has its own requirements and procedures for becoming a notary. Some counties provide the notary with their commission first and then the notary is required to obtain a bond based on the commission. Some counties require the bond first, and then the notary is provided a commission. If you are unsure of the order required by your Parish, contact your county probate judge.

Notary Bond Application

Step 1 of 4

Notary Bond Information
Please fill out all the fields below. This bond is instantly approved and not credit check is required. Please fax a copy of your commission to: 949-261-9926 or email attachment to apps@southcoastsurety.com. Once you complete the application below and fax your commission, the bond will usually be processed within 48 hours. Payment must be received prior to issuance of the bond. All credit cards are manually processed after you have accepted the quote and at the time the bond is issued.
Notary State*
County (Where You Receive Commission)*
Bond Amount*
Bond Term*
Not to exceed notary term
Requested Effective Date*

The requested effective date must be the same as the commission start date that appears on your Certificate of Appointment.

Notary Information
Full Name*
Mailing Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Phone Number*
Fax Number
Email*

Errors & Omissions Insurance
Do You Need Errors and Omissions Insurance?*
- Yes
- No
E&O Insurance Amount
This notary bond only protects the public, not the notary (you.) You should protect yourself with Errors and Omissions Insurance. If you would like additional E&O provided with your notary bond, please indicate how much and we can provide you a quote
Add Four Years of E&O Insurance Here
- $10,000 policy
- $15,000 policy
- $30,000 policy
Notary Public E & O Group Employer Policies Also Available - After finishing this application please contact us by email apps@southcoastsurety.com or call 800-361-1720

Credit Card Information
We recommend that you enter your credit card information now because it helps us to get your bond mailed to you quickly. We will not bill you until the bond is in the mail to you. You may leave it blank and we will e-mail you within two working days with a premium quote and information on how to pay by check. **A 6% service fee is charged on all on line transactions.
We accept MasterCard or Visa
- MasterCard
- Visa
Credit Card Number
Security Code
Name appearing on credit card
First Last
Expiration Date
Credit card billing address same as mailing address?
- Yes
- No
Credit Card Billing Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Click Submit Button Below
We will reply to you within 48 hours with a bond quote. We will not charge your credit card until you approve the quote. Please fax a copy of your commission to: 949-261-9926 or email attachment to apps@southcoastsurety.com.