Bond Costs

California Notary Bond Cost

The California notary bond is about as affordable as surety bonds get. Here is what the $15,000 bond actually costs, why it is a one-time not annual charge, and how it differs from the E&O insurance notaries often add.

Notary bond cost by the numbers

$15,000: California notary public surety bond, filed for a four-year commission; CA Secretary of State
4 years: Length of a California notary public commission; CA Secretary of State
$8.6B: U.S. surety direct written premium; SFAA, 2022

A $15,000 bond for a few dollars

California requires every notary to file a $15,000 surety bond, but that is the coverage amount, not your cost. You pay a small one-time premium for the entire four-year commission, often around $25 to $50. It is one of the cheapest bonds we place, and because it is small and low-risk, it is rarely credit-sensitive.

One premium, four years

Unlike a contractor bond that renews yearly, the notary bond is written for your full four-year commission and paid once. When your commission comes up for renewal, you file a fresh bond for the next term.

Bond vs. E&O insurance

The bond protects the public: if a valid claim is paid on your errors or misconduct, you reimburse the surety. It does not protect you. That is what errors-and-omissions (E&O) insuranceis for, and it is a separate, optional purchase many notaries add. The bond is required; the E&O is your choice.

Getting the bond

If you are still commissioning, see how to become a notary in California for where the bond fits in the process. Ready to file? The notary bond page has the details, or get a quote and we will issue it fast.

Questions

FAQs

Reviewed by Michael Melshenker, CEO. Updated June 2026.

How much does a California notary bond cost?

The bond amount is $15,000, but you pay only a small one-time premium for the full four-year commission, often around $25 to $50. It is one of the cheapest surety bonds there is.

Is the notary bond an annual cost?

No. You pay a single premium that covers the entire four-year commission term, not a yearly charge. When you renew your commission, you file a new bond.

Is the notary bond the same as E&O insurance?

No. The $15,000 bond protects the public; if a claim is paid, you reimburse the surety. Errors-and-omissions insurance protects you. Many notaries carry both, and E&O is a separate, optional cost.

Does credit affect the notary bond price?

Rarely. The notary bond is small and low-risk, so it is generally not credit-sensitive. Even challenged credit is usually no obstacle to getting it at the standard low rate.