Idaho Notary Bond

An Idaho Notary Bond is a state-required surety bond that ensures notaries fulfill their duties ethically and accurately. It acts as a financial safeguard, protecting the public from errors, omissions, or fraudulent acts committed by a notary.

The Idaho Secretary of State regulates the notary bond requirement, mandating that applicants submit a $10,000 surety bond along with their notary application and a $30 filing fee. This ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards.

If a notary fails to perform their duties properly—whether due to negligence, improper notarization, or fraud—any affected party can file a claim against the bond. For example, if a notary notarizes a forged signature, the impacted individual can seek compensation of up to $10,000. If the claim is paid, the notary is responsible for reimbursing the surety company.

While the bond protects the public, it does not cover the notary personally. Notaries may choose to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for additional financial protection.

In Idaho, notaries must secure a $10,000 surety bond as part of their notary commission process. This bond remains valid for 6 years and acts as a financial safeguard, protecting the public from potential fraudulent or negligent acts by the notary.

The Tennessee notary bond costs as low as $35 to $55 (processing fees may be applied) and must be obtained from a state-approved surety provider before filing the notary application. The notary bond premium is a one-time payment that covers the full six-year commission term. 

Beyond the bond and optional insurance, notaries should also consider additional expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $30 to the Idaho Secretary of State.
• Notary Seal and Journal: $20 to $50, depending on the provider.

Obtaining an Idaho notary bond is a simple process that involves three easy steps:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Easily apply using one of the following methods:

• Online Application – Complete our secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just a few minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: Idaho Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $10,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you’ll instantly receive a bond quote. Review the details to ensure accuracy, and if you need any adjustments, our team is happy to help.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, complete your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the necessary documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready for submission with your notary application.

Before renewing your Idaho notary commission, you must first obtain a new $10,000 notary bond from an authorized insurance or surety provider. This bond is required for your 6-year term and serves as a financial guarantee to protect the public from notary errors or misconduct.

Unlike some states, Idaho does not have a formal renewal process for notary commissions. Instead, notaries must reapply for a new commission once their current one expires.

To avoid disruptions, it’s recommended to begin the reapplication process up to 90 days before expiration. The Idaho Secretary of State does not send renewal reminders, so be sure to track your expiration date and secure your new notary bond in advance.

To become a notary public in Idaho, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Reside in Idaho or work in the state.
• Be able to read and write in English.
• Have no felony convictions or crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude, unless civil rights have been restored.

Application Process:

1. Surety Bond: Obtain a $10,000 surety bond for the six-year commission term before applying.
2. Application Submission: Complete and submit the Notary Public Application Form with a $30 filing fee to the Idaho Secretary of State
3. Oath of Office: Sign the oath of office before a notary public and submit it with the application
4. Notary Seal: After receiving the Notary Certificate, purchase a stamping device (notary seal)
5. Journal: Keeping a notary journal is optional but highly recommended for record-keeping and legal protection

Note: No mandatory training course or exam is required in Idaho. However, optional training is available for notaries who want additional guidance.

Learn More:

• Notary Public Instructions – Overview of requirements
• Notary Public FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Idaho notaries

Idaho has allowed commissioned notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON) since January 1, 2020, by completing an additional authorization process. To qualify, you must:

1. Hold an Active Commission: You must already be a commissioned notary public in Idaho with an active six-year commission.
2. Choose a Tamper-Evident Technology: To perform electronic notarizations, you’ll need to choose a state-approved tamper-evident technology. Make sure it meets the requirements outlined in Idaho Code 51-120. If you're unsure which technology to use, the National Electronic Notary Standards can help guide you.
3. Select Approved RON Technology: Choose a tamper-evident RON technology provider that complies with Idaho standards. The Secretary of State does not provide a list of approved providers but refers notaries to the National Electronic Notarization Standards (adopted by the National Association of Secretaries of State) for guidance in selecting suitable technology.
4. Submit an Amendment to Register as an E-Notary: To register as an electronic or remote online notary, you’ll need to file an “Addition of Electronic or Remote Online Notary” amendment through sosbiz.idaho.gov. If you prefer, you can submit the Authorization for Electronic Notarization form by mail, but keep in mind that paper submissions come with a $20 manual processing fee.

Once approved, you’ll be able to notarize documents remotely using secure online platforms, making the notarization process more convenient and efficient.