Arkansas Notary Public Bond

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

In order to obtain an Arkansas Notary Public commission, you are required to file this surety bond with the Secretary of State.

A surety bond is a three-way agreement between a Principal (the individual applying for an Arkansas Notary Public commission), an Obligee (Arkansas Secretary of State), and a surety company (the company backing the surety bond). A surety bond does not operate like an insurance policy for the Principal; instead it protects the Obligee and the Arkansas public against any damages resulting from negligence or fraud by the Principal. The bond is a guarantee that the Principal understands and agrees to comply with all guidelines set forth for their commission (as specified by the Arkansas Notary Public and eNotary Handbook and Act 304 of the 1989 Regular Session). Per the Arkansas Secretary of State: “A Notary Public verifies the identity on an individual who appears before them. The Notary acts as an official and unbiased witness to the identity of a person whether the person be taking an oath, giving oral or written testimony, or acknowledging his/her signature on a legal document.”

This bond is written for the amount of $7,500 for a 10-year term, and must run concurrent to the Notary Public commission. The cost is $100 for the 10-year term ($50 premium + $50 fee), and does not include E&O insurance. If you would like to add Errors & Omissions Insurance, indicate this in your application.

In the event that the Notary Public violates their commission or terms of the surety bond, there will be a claim filed against the bond, which the surety company will pay any damages for out of the bond. The Principal is legally required to repay the surety company the entire amount paid for any damages. In addition to repayment, the surety company may revoke the surety bond, at which point the Notary Public commission is invalid until a new bond is filed with the Secretary of State.

Understand that a claim against your bond will negatively impact any future surety bond applications, as they indicate a failure to comply with the terms. If you are unable to acquire a surety bond, you will be unable to receive your commission.

What does the bond cover?

This bond protects the public from any damages caused by the misconduct or negligence of an Arkansas Notary Public. Specifically, it ensures the notary complies with Act 304 of 1989.

Who needs this bond?

Any individual applying for, or renewing, an Arkansas Notary Public commission is required to file this surety bond with the Secretary of State before the commission is approved.

How much does this bond cost?

This $7,500, 10 year bond costs $100 ($50 premium, $50 fee). If you would like to add E&O to your bond, you must indicate so in your application, and you will receive a quote that reflects this addition.

How do I apply?

To apply for your Arkansas Notary Public surety 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.
Please indicate if you would like to add E&O, please indicate so in your application.
Your bond will be issued within 1-3 days after you submit a completed application and payment.

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.