California Notary Bond
Overview
California Government Code section 8212 requires every notary public to execute an official bond of $15,000 before entering the duties of the office. The bond covers the notary's four-year commission term and, under the companion filing statute, must be filed with the county clerk of the county where the notary maintains their principal place of business within 30 days of the commission's commencement. It is a public-protection instrument: the people who rely on your notarizations are the beneficiaries, not you.
Who Needs This Bond?
Everyone commissioned as a California notary public files this bond — first-time appointees who have passed the state exam and background check, and renewing notaries beginning a new four-year term. There are no professional exemptions: attorneys, escrow officers, bank employees, and loan signing agents all post the same $15,000 bond. If the Secretary of State has issued your commission and the clock is running on your 30-day filing window, this is the bond you need executed and filed.
What is this Bond For?
The bond answers for the notary's official misconduct or neglect: a person who suffers financial loss because a California notary performed a notarial act wrongfully, negligently, or fraudulently can recover against the bond up to its $15,000 penal sum. The surety pays valid claims and then collects reimbursement from the notary — meaning the bond shifts nothing off the notary's own liability. Personal protection is the job of a separate errors-and-omissions policy, which California does not require but many notaries add.
When is it Required?
The sequence is strict: commission issued, then bond executed, then oath and bond filed with the county clerk within 30 days of the commission term's start — miss the window and the commission lapses, sending you back through the application process. Renewing notaries repeat the filing for each new term, since the bond covers one four-year commission at a time. Order the bond as soon as your commission packet arrives so the filing deadline never gets close.
Where Does it Apply?
The bond is filed in the county of your principal place of business, but it backs notarial acts you perform anywhere in California — a notary commission is statewide authority. Moving your business location to another county triggers a filing update with the new county clerk. The bond has no effect outside California; a notary commissioned in another state operates under that state's separate bonding rules.
How to Buy Online
Click 'Buy This Bond Online' to open the secure surety portal in a new tab, complete the short application, and pay in one session. Your executed $15,000 California notary bond arrives ready for the oath-and-bond filing at your county clerk's office.
Why Bond Titan?
The bond amount, term, and filing deadline on this page are cited to the Government Code in the Official Sources section below — check them yourself before you file. Bond Titan is powered by The Southern Agency, a licensed surety agency, and the online flow is fast enough to protect your 30-day window.
Official Sources
The requirements described on this page are verified against the official sources below.
- $15,000 official bond required of every California notary public for the four-year term: California Government Code § 8212 (verified July 16, 2026)
- Oath and bond must be filed with the county clerk of the county of the notary's principal place of business within 30 days of the commission term's commencement; failure to file voids the commission: California Government Code § 8213 (verified July 16, 2026)