Want to learn more about notary bonds from an expert? Call us today at our Las Vegas line: (702) 850-7711 or our Memphis line: (901) 306-8100.
We provide bonds and insurance in the states of Nevada and Tennessee and have a knowledgeable team ready to assist you. We are available 24/7.
What Is A Notary bond?
Unlike regular surety bonds, which are used for various purposes by businesses in many different industries—or even like bail bonds, which defendants use in court cases—notary bonds are specifically used by notaries as a form of financial and ethical guarantee.
Notary bonds ensure that the Principal (the notary public) will fulfill their duties in an ethical manner and avoid committing fraud or engaging in gross negligence.
Notaries public in both Nevada and Tennessee are required by their respective Secretaries of State (the Obligee) to get notary bonds.
What Happens If A Notary Public Fails To Uphold Their Obligations?
If a notary public fails to uphold the requirements of their bond, their chosen surety bond company will be required to pay damages to the injured parties up to the bond amount established by the state.
Once the surety bond company pays the damages, it will then seek reimbursement from the notary public.
How Many States Require Notary Bonds?
At present, 32 states in the USA, including Nevada and Tennessee, require notaries public to get notary bonds before they are allowed to assume their roles as public servants.
Since notary bonds are necessary for notaries public to perform their duties, notary bonds are considered to be a form of license and permit bond.
What About A Notary Bond In Nevada? Is It Different?
While there are differences among notary bonds that vary per state, Nevada notary bonds are certainly not unrecognizable from ones that you’ll find in other states.
While the specifics of how other states handle notary bonds are beyond the scope of this article, in Nevada, all notaries public are required to secure a $10,000 notary bond before they can assume their roles as public servants. Also, notary commissions last only 4 years.
Once a notary public’s 4 year commission ends, if they want to continue serving, they’ll have to maintain their surety bond.
Could You Tell Me About Tennessee Notary Bonds?
Similar to Nevada, the state of Tennessee asks that all notaries public secure a $10,000 notary bond before assuming their roles as public servants. Likewise, notary commissions in Tennessee last 4 years.
Who Needs Notary Bonds?
As you can probably guess from what’s stated above, anyone who wants to become a notary public in Nevada or Tennessee (or other states where notary bonds are required) must get a notary bond.
Why Do I Really Need A Notary Bond?
If you’re thinking about becoming a notary public, you might be wondering, “Why do I need a notary bond?”
The reason why is that notary bonds protect the public against mistakes that you might make on the job as well as against any potential wrongdoing.
Another important reason why the Secretaries of State in both Nevada and Tennessee require notary bonds is:
They protect the state from the liability of having commissioned a notary public who misuses their position, either through incompetence, gross negligence, or fraud.
Notary Bonds vs. Errors and Omissions Insurance
Please keep in mind:
Despite the protections they offer, notary bonds are NOT the same thing as errors and omissions insurance (E&O insurance).
The Importance of E&O Insurance
As a notary public, not only is making a mistake while on the job embarrassing, but it can also be costly.
Even good people make honest mistakes, which is why getting errors and omissions insurance is so important….It helps protect you.
What Does Errors and Omissions Insurance Cover?
The short, condensed answer is that E&O insurance covers payments on your bond that are the result of innocent mistakes. Your insurance covers up to whatever the limit on your policy is.
Contact Us For More Details About Your Notary Bond
To learn more about notary bonds or E&O insurance, call us today at our Las Vegas line: (702) 850-7711 or our Memphis line: (901) 306-8100, and one of our experts will be happy to assist you. We are available 24/7.
Our carrier is CNA Financial, a highly rated insurance company.
What Happens If Someone Makes A Claim Against A Notary Bond?
When someone makes a claim against a notary bond, an investigation is first made by your surety bond company. During the investigation, there will be a number of details that you’ll need to provide specific to your role as a notary public.
Side note: How long the claim investigation takes will vary depending on the details of the case.
But once it is complete, the second thing that happens is the claim will (1) be denied, or if it’s legitimate, the surety bond company will (2) pay damages to the injured party.
Please keep in mind that you may be responsible for court costs and other charges associated with the claim. You will also need to repay the surety bond company for settling the claim.
More About Notary Bonds and How They Work
Just to expand upon something we mentioned above. Notary bonds are a type of surety bond, meaning that they are a binding agreement between three parties.
These parties are as follows:
The Principal – The party that is required to get the bond.
The Obligee – The party that requires the Principal to get the bond.
The Surety – The party that guarantees the bond.
How to Become a Notary Public in Nevada
The process for becoming a notary public in Nevada involves several steps.
- Take the Notary Division’s training course and exam. You can learn more about the course here.
- Get a $10,000 notary bond with the county clerk in your area.
- Submit the online notary application, filing notice, and other relevant documents to the Secretary of State. There is a submission fee. Read more here.
- Wait for the Secretary of State to issue your Certificate of Appointment.
- Obtain your notary public stamp, which you’ll use to authenticate documents.
- Get E&O insurance. This is NOT required in Nevada; however, we strongly recommend it.
Things To Consider Before Getting A Nevada Notary Bond
Notary bonds are a helpful instrument, but they do come with some responsibilities for the notary public.
Once you get a notary bond, you’ll be required to do the following:
- State the city in which the bond will be issued.
- If you move, update your mailing address and other important information.
- Request an amended Certificate of Appointment.
- Renew your Nevada notary bond after four years.
- Provide 30 days’ notice if you want to cancel your notary bond.
- Replace an expired notary bond within 30 days to maintain your position as a notary public.
How To Become A Notary Public In Tennessee
The process for becoming a notary public in Tennessee requires several steps.
- Complete an application from the county clerk’s office in your area. For more information about the application process in Shelby County, visit here.
- Send the application to the county clerk in your area as well as pay the required application fee.
- Be elected by your local county commission.
- Obtain a $10,000 notary bond.
- Prove that you’ve obtained a notary bond by submitting your documents to the Secretary of State’s office. For more information about this, visit the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website here.
- Pick up the Notary Commission, which the Secretary of State will mail to your local county clerk’s office.
- Get your notary stamp.
- Get E&O insurance (optional) to protect yourself from risk.
Note: Unlike in Nevada, becoming a notary public in Tennessee requires no formal coursework.
Requirements and Disqualifications For Notaries
To be a notary public in both Nevada and Tennessee, you must:
- Be a legal US resident.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Live in the county for which you are elected (there may be exceptions depending on where you live).
- Update your address if you move counties.
When trying to become a notary public, you will be disqualified if you’ve:
- Engaged in official misconduct, unauthorized practice of law, or a bribe.
- Had your commission as a notary revoked.
- Are a member of Congress or hold another office of significant political influence, or you owe money to the state or federal treasury.
In Nevada, How Much Will A $10,000 Notary Bond Cost Me?
A $10,000 notary bond in Nevada will cost you $50-$100, depending on if you get E&O insurance with it.
In Tennessee, How Much Will A $10,000 Notary Bond Cost me?
A $10,000 notary bond in Tennessee will cost you $50-$100, depending on if you get E&O insurance with it.
For more information about frequently asked questions related to notary bond costs, bond filing fees, or state bond filing, call us.
Contact An Experienced Surety Bonding and Insurance Company
All n One Bonding & Insurance is a highly experienced insurance company that has, for many years, helped people get affordable insurance plans that fit their budget and bring them peace of mind.
One of the biggest advantages of working with our company is that we are available 24/7, meaning you can call us anytime, anywhere with your needs, questions, and concerns.
Areas We Operate In
All n One Bonding & Insurance operates in both Las Vegas, NV and Memphis, TN. We service all of Clark County and Shelby County in Nevada and Tennessee, respectively.
If you live in one of these areas, call us today. The same goes for if you have any questions regarding your notary bonds payment, notary bond document preparation services, or any other question related to your notary surety bond.
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