Is notary insurance required?
A plain-English answer — what's required by law, what's required by contract, and what just makes sense.
The short answer
It depends which product you mean. Many states require a notary surety bond before you can be commissioned — that is mandatory. Notary Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance — a form of professional liability insurance — is almost always optional, but it protects you personally, while the bond protects the public. Most working notaries carry both.
Who actually requires it
- Your state (the bond). Many states require a notary surety bond (commonly $5,000–$25,000) to be commissioned. The bond protects the public — and if a claim is paid, the notary repays the surety.
- Signing services (E&O minimums). Loan-signing companies and title firms frequently require a minimum E&O limit (often $25,000 or $100,000) before assigning closings.
- Yourself (E&O). Without E&O, you personally pay defense costs and any settlement if you are accused of a notarial error.
What coverage applies
- Notary surety bond. A state-mandated bond intended to protect the public from notary mistakes or misconduct. It is not insurance for the notary.
- Notary E&O / professional liability. Optional coverage generally intended to respond to allegations that a notarial error or omission caused someone a loss — and to fund your defense.
- RON endorsements. If you perform remote online notarization, you may need an endorsement; some platforms require specific coverage.
How to prove you have it
For commissioning, you file the bond with your state per its instructions. For signing work, you provide a certificate of insurance (COI) showing your E&O limit to the signing service or title company.
The bottom line
If a law, license, contract, or client asks for it, you generally need it — and getting a quote is the quickest way to see your options and obtain a certificate. Coverage terms, eligibility, and requirements vary by state and individual circumstance.
Frequently asked questions
Is a notary bond the same as notary insurance?
No. The bond is typically required by the state and protects the public; the notary ultimately repays a paid claim. Notary E&O — a professional liability coverage — is optional and is generally intended to protect the notary.
Do I have to carry E&O to be a notary?
Usually not — E&O is generally optional. But without it you personally bear defense costs and settlements, so most active notaries carry it. Loan-signing agents are often required to by the companies that hire them.
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