Kansas Notary Bond

In Kansas, notaries public must secure a $12,000 Notary Bond to complete their commission. This bond serves as a financial safeguard, ensuring notaries comply with state regulations and ethical standards in their duties.

If a notary’s actions - whether due to error, negligence, or misconduct - cause financial loss, a claim can be filed against the bond for compensation. If the claim is valid and the surety company pays the claim, the notary is responsible for reimbursing the company.

While the bond protects the public, it does not provide financial security for the notary. To reduce personal liability, many notaries opt for Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. The Kansas Secretary of State oversees notarial practices and bond requirements to ensure trust and accountability within the profession.

In Kansas, the cost of a $12,000 notary bond typically ranges from $35 to $55 (processing fees may be applied) for the entire four-year period, depending on the provider. This bond is a mandatory requirement for notaries public and must be obtained from a state-authorized surety company.

The bond acts as a financial guarantee to ensure notaries follow state laws and ethical guidelines in their official duties. It is valid for four years and must be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of State to complete the licensing process.

In addition to the bond, notaries in Kansas should plan for additional expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $25
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Around $20, depending on the provider
• Notary Journal: Costs range from $10 to $50 (optional but recommended for record-keeping)
• County Clerk Filing Fees: Vary depending on the type of document or action, with fees for recording instruments like deeds and mortgages typically starting at $21 for the first page and $17 for each additional page.

Covering these costs ensures that Kansas notaries comply with state regulations and have the essential tools to perform their duties effectively. For the latest updates and official guidelines, visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website or contact the Notary Division.

Easily apply using one of these convenient methods:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Online Application – Complete a secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just 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: Kansas Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $12,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

Once you submit your application, you'll immediately receive a bond quote. Take a moment to review the details for accuracy, and if any changes are needed, our team is here to assist you.

3. Purchase Your Bond

After confirming your quote, finalize your purchase by paying the invoice and electronically signing the required documents. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready to be submitted with your notary application.

The Kansas Notary Bond, which is a $12,000 surety bond, is a requirement for notaries public to maintain their four-year commission and ensures protection against financial damages resulting from notary errors or misconduct.

To renew your Kansas notary bond, acquire a new $12,000 bond from an approved state-licensed surety provider and submit it with your renewal application to the Kansas Secretary of State. The renewal process does not involve any additional training or exams. You’ll need to submit the bond, a completed application, and pay a $25 fee. Once the renewal is approved, you will receive an updated commission certificate.

The renewal process opens 90 days before your commission expires, so it’s important to complete the renewal on time to avoid any interruption in your notarial services.

If you're interested in becoming a notary public in Kansas, you'll need to follow a few important steps to meet the state’s requirements. A notary public plays a key role in verifying signatures, administering oaths, and ensuring the authenticity of legal documents. Below is a simplified guide to help you navigate the application process and understand your responsibilities as a Kansas notary.

Kansas Notary Qualifications

To be eligible to be a notary in Kansas, state law requires that you must be:

• At least 18 years of age.
• A Kansas legal resident or a resident of a bordering state who regularly conducts business or is employed in Kansas.

Steps to Become a Kansas Notary

1. Purchase a Notary Stamping Device
   • You must obtain a notary stamping device (ink stamp or impression seal).
   • The stamp must include:
     • Your name exactly as it appears on the application.
     • The words “Notary Public” and “State of Kansas” (or similar wording).
   • You can purchase this device from office supply stores, stamp shops, or online.
   • A copy of your stamp or seal impression must be submitted with your application.
2. Secure Your Notary Stamping Device
   • Kansas law requires that you keep your stamping device secure.
   • You must not allow others to use your device.
3. Obtain a Notary Surety Bond
   • Kansas law mandates a $12,000 surety bond to protect against notary errors or misconduct.
   • This bond must be from a commercial surety provider licensed in Kansas.
   • The insurance company must complete a specific section on the NO form or NO-S form, which can be found on the online notary page.
4. Take the Notary Oath
   • You must swear the Kansas notary oath before another notary.
   • The notary who administers the oath will complete a section of the NO form or NO-O form.
   • If the oath is administered remotely, a wet ink signature must accompany the application for comparison when you perform in-person notarizations.
5. Submit Your Application
   • Submit the completed application:
     • Upload the NO form, including the impression of your notary stamp.
     • Submit the completed notary oath and surety bond section.
     • Alternatively, complete the online appointment electronic form, uploading the required documents.
   • Pay the $25 application fee by credit card to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.
6. Approval and Notary Certificate
   • Once your application is approved, the Kansas Secretary of State will:
     • List your notary status online, along with your appointment expiration date and commission number.
     • Mail a notary certificate with the same details to the address you provided on the application.
   • You cannot begin notarizing documents until your appointment status is active online.

Additional Responsibilities

• Keep your notary stamping device secure and do not allow others to use it.
• Ensure that your notarial acts comply with Kansas law and are accurately documented.

Follow these 3 steps to become a Remote Online Notary in Kansas:

1. Select an Approved RON Provider

To conduct remote online notarizations, you must choose an approved RON technology provider. These platforms allow you and the signer to communicate using audio-video technology to fulfill the personal appearance requirement.

• The RON platform must also provide:
  • Identity verification of the signer.
    The ability for the signer to electronically sign the document.
  • The ability for you, the notary, to notarize the document.
  • A means to record the notarial act in an electronic journal.
• You'll also need a digital certificate to verify your identity and ensure the document is tamper-evident once notarized.
• Make sure the platform you select is listed with the Kansas Secretary of State.

2. Complete Notary Training and Pass the Test

• Kansas requires training and a test to become a Remote Online Notary.
• The Secretary of State offers this training and test for free. After successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate, which must be submitted as part of your RON registration.
• You can take the training and test at your convenience and must save or print the certificate for submission.

3. Notify the Secretary of State

• Before you can begin performing RONs, you must notify the Kansas Secretary of State of your intent to use a RON provider.
• Submit the RON registration form, along with:
  • The RON provider you'll be using.
  • A copy of your training certificate.
  • A $20 registration fee.
• Your RON registration will run concurrently with your notary commission, which is valid for four years.

Additional Requirements and Information

• Electronic Stamp: When performing a remote notarization, you must use an electronic stamp that includes your current Kansas notary commission number.
• Location Restrictions: You cannot perform remote online notarizations if you are not physically located in Kansas at the time of notarization.