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Introduction
From our perspective, public service in North Dakota is more than just a title—it’s a responsibility backed by financial accountability. Whether someone is elected, appointed, or employed in a government capacity, there’s a public expectation to act with honesty, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. The North Dakota – Public Official Bond plays a critical role in ensuring that trust.
This bond protects the public from financial harm caused by misconduct, negligence, or failure to perform duties properly. It provides a financial guarantee that, should a public official misuse funds or violate their obligations, a claim can be filed for compensation. It’s required for a wide range of positions, including city clerks, treasurers, tax collectors, sheriffs, and school board officials.
The North Dakota – Public Official Bond is not just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a safeguard for taxpayer dollars. Similar to how the North Dakota – Money Broker ($50,000) Bond protects consumers in the lending space or the North Dakota – Single Oil or Gas Well ($50,000) Bond ensures environmental and financial accountability in drilling operations, this bond builds trust and accountability into public service from the outset.
Clearing Up Confusion About Public Official Bonds in North Dakota, ND
We’ve noticed that many incoming public servants misunderstand what this bond actually does. Some think it’s a type of insurance for their role. Others assume it covers their personal liability. In reality, the North Dakota – Public Official Bond is designed to protect the public—not the official. If a city treasurer embezzles funds or a sheriff violates administrative rules, this bond offers a financial path to restitution.
Confusion also arises around coverage amounts. Bond amounts vary based on the office and the jurisdiction, as outlined in North Dakota Century Code § 26.1-21. Each entity—city, county, school board—may require different limits based on the perceived risk of the office.
Just as the North Dakota – Money Broker ($50,000) Bond serves to safeguard clients from fraud in lending, or how the North Dakota – Single Oil or Gas Well ($50,000) Bond offers protection against well abandonment without proper plugging, this bond is meant to address public losses from official misconduct.
Guiding Officials Through Bond Compliance in North Dakota, ND
Based on our experience, many public employees benefit from a knowledgeable bonding partner. Swiftbonds helps simplify the process by making sure each bond is issued correctly according to the role’s statutory requirements. This minimizes the chance of rejection or delays in assuming office.
Government bonding requires accuracy. Swiftbonds ensures that the bond aligns with what’s expected under North Dakota law and by local agencies. This level of detail is just as important when issuing a North Dakota – Money Broker ($50,000) Bond or a North Dakota – Single Oil or Gas Well ($50,000) Bond, where even a small error can stall licensing or regulatory approval.
Our process is designed to be fast, compliant, and stress-free—so public officials can focus on their duties without getting bogged down in red tape.
How to Obtain a Public Official Bond in North Dakota, ND
What we’ve discovered is that following a clear process can eliminate most of the difficulties associated with bonding. Here’s a step-by-step approach for obtaining the North Dakota – Public Official Bond:
- Determine the required bond amount
Check with your appointing or election authority. Requirements vary based on office and municipality. - Get a quote from Swiftbonds
Complete a short application—credit checks may apply for higher-risk offices. - Review and sign the bond form
Make sure all fields match the official language required by your city or agency. - File the bond with the proper authority
Submit it before your oath of office or the start of your term.
This process mirrors what applicants face when securing a North Dakota – Money Broker ($50,000) Bond for licensing or a North Dakota – Single Oil or Gas Well ($50,000) Bond to begin drilling operations. Compliance begins with precision and ends with approval.
Why Prompt Bonding Matters in North Dakota, ND
We’ve found that delays in bond procurement can jeopardize a public servant’s ability to take office. Many agencies will not allow an official to start their role without a bond in place. If the bond isn’t submitted by the deadline, the appointment or certification could be voided, triggering re-election or reassignment.
A delayed bond can also delay salary and benefits. Just like an oil operator can’t begin extraction without a valid North Dakota – Single Oil or Gas Well ($50,000) Bond, and a lender can’t operate without a North Dakota – Money Broker ($50,000) Bond, a public official must meet bonding obligations to lawfully function in their role.
With Swiftbonds, turnaround times are fast, forms are always formatted to North Dakota standards, and support is available to answer questions throughout the process.
Consequences of Bond Non-Compliance in North Dakota, ND
In our observation, failing to submit a required bond can create legal issues—not just administrative ones. If a public official assumes office without a valid bond, any action taken during their tenure could be invalidated. It can also expose the individual to personal liability in the event of financial loss to the public.
Additionally, bond cancellation or expiration without renewal can trigger removal from office. The same is true in the lending industry, where an expired North Dakota – Money Broker ($50,000) Bond can cause license suspension. Similarly, a lapse in a North Dakota – Single Oil or Gas Well ($50,000) Bond can halt well operations and trigger penalties.
The key is proactive compliance and regular bond maintenance—something Swiftbonds helps officials monitor and manage from day one.
North Dakota Bonding Law and Performance Requirements
North Dakota enforces strict bonding standards under North Dakota Century Code § 26.1-21 and related local ordinances. All public officials must submit a bond before executing their duties, with bond amounts often specified by the local governing body.
For construction-related roles or contracts involving public money, the North Dakota Little Miller Act (N.D.C.C. § 48-01.2-10) requires performance and payment bonds on public works exceeding $100,000. This ensures that contractors, like public servants, operate with transparency and financial accountability.
For government agency verification and full regulatory details, refer to the North Dakota Legislature and the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.
Conclusion
We’ve come to appreciate that the North Dakota – Public Official Bond is more than a formality—it’s a statement of trust, accountability, and preparedness. It helps protect the public from financial harm while reinforcing the integrity of North Dakota’s public institutions.
Swiftbonds supports public servants by making the bonding process accurate and efficient. Whether you’re entering office, overseeing funds, or supervising a public agency, the right bond helps you serve with confidence. We apply the same rigor to issuing a North Dakota – Money Broker ($50,000) Bond or a North Dakota – Single Oil or Gas Well ($50,000) Bond, ensuring all parties meet the standards that safeguard public and private interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to obtain a North Dakota – Public Official Bond?
We’ve often noticed that this bond is required for elected and appointed public officials such as county treasurers, city clerks, sheriffs, school board members, and tax assessors.
What does the North Dakota – Public Official Bond cover?
We’ve often noticed confusion here. The bond protects the public from financial losses caused by fraud, mismanagement, or failure to perform duties as outlined by law.
How is the bond amount determined?
We’ve often noticed that the amount varies by office and is usually set by local ordinance or state law.
Can a public official begin work before obtaining the bond?
We’ve often noticed that most agencies will not permit public officials to take office or receive pay until a valid bond is on file.
What happens if the bond lapses during an official’s term?
We’ve often noticed that a lapse in coverage can lead to removal from office, legal penalties, and exposure to personal liability.