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| Arizona $5,000 Notary Bond with E&O Coverage of $10,000 |  |
| Arizona $5,000 Notary Bond without E&O Coverage | |
Introduction
A Notary Public in Arizona is a state-appointed official authorized to perform notarial acts such as:
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Administering oaths and affirmations
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Taking acknowledgments
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Witnessing signatures
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Certifying copies (in limited cases)
Commissioned by the Arizona Secretary of State, a notary acts as an impartial witness to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of signed documents. The commission is valid for 4 years, and notaries must obtain a $5,000 surety bond and use an official notary seal and journal.
Explanation: Arizona Notary Bond
In Arizona, notaries public are required to obtain a $5,000 notary bond as part of their commission process. This bond is mandatory and protects the public from financial losses due to a notary’s misconduct or negligence.
However, some notaries choose to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance in addition to the required bond. Understanding the difference between a notary bond with E&O and without E&O is essential.
Arizona Notary Bond (Required)
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A $5,000 surety bond valid for a 4-year term.
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Filed with the Arizona Secretary of State.
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Protects the public – not the notary.
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If a valid claim is made, the surety pays, and the notary must repay the surety.
Read a Arizona Electronic Motor Vehicle Records Bond.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance (Optional)
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A voluntary policy that protects the notary against unintentional errors or negligent acts.
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Commonly available in coverage amounts from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
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Pays for legal defense, settlements, or judgments against the notary.
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Does not require reimbursement by the notary unless excluded under policy terms.
Why Get a Notary Bond With E&O?
While the $5,000 bond satisfies the state requirement, it may be insufficient to cover large claims or legal expenses. Adding E&O insurance gives peace of mind and financial protection to the notary, especially when:
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Handling high-value legal or financial documents
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Notarizing for the public or as part of a business
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Wanting protection from honest mistakes, which are not covered by the bond alone
Get a Arizona Third Party / Tag Agency Bond.
Parties Involved
- Principal – The notary public who is required to obtain the bond.
- Obligee – The State of Arizona, which requires the bond.
- Surety – The bonding company that issues the bond and guarantees compensation up to the bond amount for valid claims.
Process for Getting a Notary Bond in Arizona
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
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Be at least 18 years old
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Be a legal Arizona resident
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Be able to read and write English
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Have no felony convictions (unless rights are restored)
Step 2: Purchase a $5,000 Notary Bond
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Obtain a 4-year $5,000 surety bond from a licensed bonding company
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Must be in your legal name as it will appear on your commission
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Cost: typically $25–$50
Step 3: Complete the Notary Application
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Download: Arizona Notary Application (PDF)
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Include:
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Personal and contact information
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Bond details (bond number, surety company, effective/expiration dates)
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Notarized signature
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Step 4: Submit Application to the Secretary of State
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Mail the following:
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Completed notary application
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Original $5,000 bond
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Filing fee (check or money order payable to “Arizona Secretary of State”)
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Step 5: Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate
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Processing time: approx. 2–4 weeks
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You’ll receive your commission certificate and commission dates
Step 6: Purchase Required Notary Tools
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Notary Seal (must include name, “Notary Public – State of Arizona,” and commission expiration)
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Notary Journal (required to record notarial acts)
Optional: Buy E&O Insurance
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Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance protects you against claims for unintentional errors
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Not required by law, but strongly recommended
Conclusion
The Arizona notary bond is a mandatory $5,000 surety bond that protects the public from financial loss due to a notary’s misconduct or negligence. Required by the Arizona Secretary of State for a 4-year commission term, the bond ensures the notary performs duties in accordance with state law. While it safeguards the public, notaries are encouraged to obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for personal liability protection.
Have a Arizona Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get my notary commission without a bond?
No. The Arizona Secretary of State will not issue a notary commission without proof of the required bond.
What happens if a claim is made against my bond?
If a valid claim is paid by the surety, you (the notary) are legally obligated to reimburse the surety company for the amount paid.
Is Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance the same as a bond?
No. The notary bond protects the public, while E&O insurance protects the notary from personal liability due to unintentional mistakes. E&O is optional but recommended.
What if my bond expires before I renew my notary commission?
Your notary commission becomes invalid without a valid bond. You must secure a new bond and submit a renewal application before your current commission expires.
What happens if my bond is rejected by the Secretary of State?
You will be notified to correct and resubmit the bond. Common issues include:
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Incorrect name spelling
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Missing or mismatched dates
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Bond amount not exactly $5,000
Always verify that the bond matches your application exactly.
Can I use a bond purchased for another state?
No. Notary bonds are state-specific. You must obtain a bond that complies with Arizona law and is issued by a provider licensed in Arizona.
Can I purchase E&O insurance from the same provider as my bond?
Yes. Most surety bond providers offer bundled packages that include both the mandatory $5,000 bond and optional Errors & Omissions insurance.