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| North Dakota – $7,500 Notary Bond with E&O coverage of $10,000 Bond |  |
| North Dakota – $7,500 Notary Bond without E&O coverage | |
Introduction
A North Dakota Notary Public is an individual authorized by the Secretary of State to perform official acts such as witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying copies of documents. To be commissioned, a notary must meet eligibility requirements, obtain a $7,500 surety bond, and comply with state laws. The notary’s primary role is to help hinder fraud and ensure the authenticity of signed documents within the state.
Explanation: North Dakota Notary Bond
A North Dakota Notary Bond is a $7,500 surety bond required by the North Dakota Secretary of State for individuals seeking to become commissioned notaries public in the state. This bond is a legal guarantee that the notary will perform their official duties ethically, lawfully, and in accordance with North Dakota laws (North Dakota Century Code § 44-06.1).
Purpose of the Bond:
The bond protects the public from financial damage resulting from errors, omissions, negligence, or misconduct by the notary. It does not protect the notary—instead, it ensures that if someone suffers a financial loss due to the notary’s wrongful act, they can file a claim against the bond for compensation.
Key Features:
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Amount: $7,500
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Term: Matches the notary’s commission term (4 years)
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Required by: North Dakota Secretary of State
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Who must obtain it: Every applicant for a North Dakota notary commission
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Who is protected: Members of the public who suffer damages due to a notary’s improper actions
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s a refined overview of the North Dakota Notary Bond application and requirements:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
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You must be 18+, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and either reside or work in North Dakota.
Step 2: Purchase the Surety Bond
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Obtain the $7,500 bond from a licensed surety provider in North Dakota.
Step 3: Complete Notary Application
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Fill out the Notary Public Application via North Dakota’s Portal, ensuring your participant name matches your intended notarial signature.
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Include the bond and a notarized Oath of Office.
Step 4: Mail Your Documents
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Send these to the Secretary of State’s office along with a filing fee.
Step 5: Obtain and Verify Your Notary Stamp
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Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Authorization to order your stamp.
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Return a verification impression of the stamp as required to activate your commission.
Step 6: Receive Commission Certificate
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After stamp verification, the Secretary of State issues your four-year Notary Commission Certificate, marking the official start of your duties.
Key Notes
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Term: Valid for four years; renewal follows the same process.
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E&O Insurance: Not required, but advisable for personal protection.
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Bond Form: Bond must be completed and signed before a notary.
Conclusion
The North Dakota Notary Bond is a crucial requirement that ensures notaries fulfill their duties ethically and lawfully. It protects the public from financial harm caused by a notary’s misconduct or negligence, reinforcing trust and accountability in notarial services across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the North Dakota Notary Bond:
Is Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance the same as a notary bond?
No. A notary bond protects the public, while E&O insurance protects the notary against personal liability for unintentional mistakes.
Can I purchase E&O insurance with my notary bond?
Yes, many providers offer bundled packages that include both the required notary bond and optional E&O insurance.
Can I start notarizing without the bond?
No. The bond must be on file with the Secretary of State before your notary commission is approved and active.
What happens if a claim is made against my notary bond?
If a valid claim is paid by the surety, you (the notary) are responsible for reimbursing the surety for the claim amount.
Does the notary bond cover Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance?
No. The notary bond protects the public, not the notary. E&O insurance is optional and covers the notary personally against mistakes or omissions.
Do I need to purchase a new bond when renewing my notary commission?
Yes. Each new commission term requires a new $7,500 notary bond.
Can a bond be transferred to another state if I move?
No. Notary bonds are state-specific. You must obtain a new bond if you apply for a commission in a different state.