Montana Notary Bond

In Montana, notaries public must obtain a $25,000 notary bond as part of the commissioning process. This bond acts as a financial guarantee, ensuring notaries adhere to state laws and ethical standards.

If a notary's error, negligence, or misconduct causes financial harm, an affected party can file a claim against the bond. If the claim is valid, the surety company will compensate the claimant, and the notary must repay the amount to the surety.

While the bond safeguards the public, it does not protect the notary from personal liability. Many notaries purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for additional coverage. The Montana Secretary of State regulates notarial practices and bond requirements to uphold professional integrity.

In Montana, notaries public are required to obtain a $25,000 surety bond, which typically costs between $35 and $55 (processing fees may apply) for a four-year term. The exact price depends on the surety provider. To meet commission requirements, the bond must be purchased from a state-authorized provider and submitted to the Montana Secretary of State.

In addition to the bond, notaries should budget for other expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $25​
• Notary Commission Filing Fee: $25
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Approximately $20 - $50, depending on the provider​
• Notary Journal: $10 - $50 (optional but recommended for record-keeping)​

Ensuring compliance with Montana’s notary bond and licensing requirements allows notaries to operate legally and with confidence. For the latest requirements and pricing details, visit the Montana Secretary of State’s website.

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: Montana Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $25,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you'll receive an instant bond quote. Carefully review the details, and if any adjustments are necessary, our team is here to help.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you're satisfied with the quote, complete your purchase by making the payment and signing the required documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready to be submitted with your notary application.

In Montana, notary bonds are valid for four years and must be renewed before expiration to maintain an active notary commission. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth renewal process:

1. Obtain a New $25,000 Surety Bond – Purchase a new bond from a state-authorized surety provider before your current bond expires.
2. Submit Your Bond to the Montana Secretary of State – File your renewed bond with the Montana Secretary of State’s office to meet state requirements. This step ensures your commission remains in good standing.
3. Pay Any Required Fees – Verify if additional filing or renewal fees apply and submit them along with your bond renewal. The Notary Commission Filing Fee is $25.
4. Confirm Your Notary Commission Status – Once processed, check with the Montana Secretary of State to ensure your notary commission remains active for another four years

To avoid a lapse in your commission, start the renewal process well before your bond’s expiration date. For more details, visit the Montana Secretary of State’s website.

To become a notary public in Montana, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria and complete the required commissioning process.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of Montana or have a place of employment/practice in the state
• Be able to read and write English
• Have never been convicted of a felony (or have had civil rights restored)
• Have not had a notary commission revoked in the past 10 years

Application Process:

1. Complete a Notary Training Course (if required) – First-time applicants must complete a state-approved Notary Education Course within 12 months before applying.
2. Pass the Notary Exam (if required) – If you are a first-time applicant or if your commission has lapsed for more than 30 days, you must pass the Montana notary exam.
3. Obtain a $25,000 Surety Bond – Purchase a four-year notary bond from a state-authorized surety provider.
4. Complete the Notary Application – Submit an online application through the Montana Secretary of State’s website and pay the $25 application fee.
5. Submit Commission Documents – After approval, you will receive your notary commission, which must be filed with the Secretary of State.

Responsibilities After Commissioning:

• Use an Official Notary Seal or Stamp – Required for notarizing documents
• Maintain a Notary Journal – Montana requires notaries to maintain a journal of all notarial acts
• Follow Montana Notary Laws – Ensure compliance with state regulations
• Renew the Notary Bond and Commission every four years – To remain in good standing, renew your bond and notary commission before it expires

Following the enactment of Montana’s Remote Online Notarization Act, the state allows notaries to register for Remote Online Notarization (RON) to perform electronic notarizations.

A commissioned Montana notary public may apply for RON authorization by completing the following steps:

1. Complete the Required Training
   • Take the state-approved online instruction course.
   • Pass the quiz and obtain a PDF certificate of completion.
2. Select a Remote Notary Technology Provider
   • Choose a platform that meets Montana’s RON requirements.
   • You may select one or more providers from the approved list.
3. Register for RON Authorization
   • Log in to your Montana Secretary of State’s Online Notary Portal.
   • Complete the RON registration process.
   • Upload your quiz completion certificate as a PDF.
   • Pay the required RON filing fee (fees may vary based on state regulations)
4. Set Up RON Technology
   • Work directly with your chosen provider(s) to obtain and pay for the required technology.
5. Receive Authorization
   • Once approved, your notary record will be updated to reflect your authorization to perform remote online notarizations.

For more details, visit the Montana Secretary of State’s website.