Why do I need a surety bond for my Kansas Notary Public commission?
A Kansas Notary Public surety bond is required for anyone applying for or renewing, a Kansas Notary Public commission. This bond protects the public from any damages – up to the bond amount – caused by the misconduct or negligence of a Kansas Notary Public. A surety bond is a three-way agreement between a Principal (the individual applying for a Kansas Notary Public commission), an Obligee (Kansas 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 protects the obligee and the general public from financial damages in the event that the Notary Public violates the terms of their commission. The complete handbook for the commission can be found here.
This bond is backed to the amount of $7,500, and runs for 4 years (or a different date, determined by the date the Secretary of State files the application), concurrent to the Notary Public commission. The cost of this 4-year bond is $100 ($50 premium + $50 fee).
In the event that the Principal violates the terms of their commission, and thus the terms of their bond, there will be a claim filed against the bond. The surety company will pay financial damages up to the amount of the bond, at which point the Principal must repay the surety for the full amount. In addition to repayment, the surety company may revoke the bond, at which point the Notary commission is considered invalid.
It is important to understand the importance of avoiding claims against your bond, as they will complicate any future surety bond applications and may limit your ability to file a bond at all. A claim against a bond is a record of non-compliance with the terms of your bond.
Your bond will be issued within 1-3 days after you submit a completed application and payment.
Your bond will be issued directly to you, and must be signed and filed with the Secretary of State.