Arkansas Notary Public Bond
Overview
Arkansas notaries public are required by state law to post a surety bond before their commission is issued or recorded. This bond guarantees that you will perform your notarial duties honestly and in accordance with Arkansas law. It protects members of the public who rely on your official acts — not you personally. Buying this bond is one of the final steps before you can begin working as a commissioned notary in Arkansas.
Who Needs This Bond?
First-time applicants who have been approved for an Arkansas notary commission, renewing notaries whose current commission is expiring, and professionals such as real estate agents, paralegals, or bank employees who are obtaining a notary commission as part of their job responsibilities all need this bond. If the Arkansas Secretary of State's office has told you to obtain and file a notary bond before your commission will be issued, this is the bond you need. You cannot legally perform notarial acts in Arkansas until the bond is on file.
What is this Bond For?
This bond exists to protect the Arkansas public — the individuals who come to you to have documents notarized, oaths administered, or acknowledgments witnessed. If you commit an error or misconduct in your official capacity and a member of the public suffers a financial loss as a result, the bond provides a source of recovery for that harmed party. The bond does not protect you personally from liability; that coverage falls under a separate notary errors-and-omissions policy. It is a statutory requirement tied directly to your Arkansas notary commission.
When is it Required?
After your Arkansas notary application has been approved and you have been instructed to obtain your bond, you will need to purchase and file it before the commission is officially issued or recorded. This step happens near the end of the commissioning process — you are not yet authorized to notarize until the bond is in place. Whether you are being commissioned for the first time or renewing a prior commission, the bond requirement applies each time. Do not wait until your commission expires to start this process.
Where Does it Apply?
This bond is a statewide Arkansas requirement and covers your notarial acts performed anywhere within the state of Arkansas. It is not limited to a specific county or city — your commission and the bond that supports it are valid throughout the state. If you move to a different county, your bond remains in effect for the remainder of your commission term.
How to Buy Online
Click the 'Buy This Bond Online' button on this page and the secure surety portal will open in a new tab. Complete the short application with your notary commission information and submit it — the process takes only a few minutes. Once approved, your bond documents will be delivered so you can file them and move forward with your Arkansas notary commission.
Why Bond Titan?
Bond Titan is powered by The Southern Agency and gives Arkansas notaries a fast, fully online way to get bonded without waiting on an agent callback or visiting an office. Our nationwide surety bond catalog includes the Arkansas Notary Public Bond, available for purchase any time you are ready. You get the speed and convenience of an online storefront backed by the experience of a full-service surety agency.