Utah Notary Bond

The Utah Notary Bond is a mandatory $5,000 surety bond required for all commissioned notaries public in Utah. It ensures that notaries perform their duties ethically and protects the public from financial losses due to errors, negligence, or misconduct.

If a notary’s actions cause financial harm, the injured party can file a claim against the bond. If the surety company pays the claim, the notary is responsible for reimbursing the surety. While the bond safeguards the public, it does not provide personal coverage for the notary.

To protect themselves, notaries are encouraged to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. These requirements, regulated by the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office, help maintain trust and accountability in notarial services throughout the state.

In Utah, notaries must secure a $5,000 surety bond as part of the notary commission process. This bond remains valid for 4 years and serves as a financial safeguard, protecting the public from errors, negligence, or misconduct by the notary.

The cost of a Utah notary bond varies by provider, typically ranging from $35 to $55  (processing fees may apply) for the full four-year term. The bond must be purchased from a state-authorized surety company and submitted to the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office as part of the notary commission requirements.

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

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $95 (This non-refundable fee covers both the application fee - $55 and the mandatory test fee - $40, paid to the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office).
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Approximately $25, depending on the provider 
• Notary Journal: Costs range from $10 to $15 (optional but recommended for record-keeping).
• County Clerk Filing Fees: In Utah, notaries are not required to file their bond or oath of office with the county clerk's office. Instead, after obtaining a $5,000 surety bond, notaries must submit the bond and a notarized Oath of Office directly to the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office as part of their application process.

These additional expenses ensure that notaries comply with Utah’s legal requirements and are properly equipped to perform their duties.

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: Utah Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $5,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an instant bond quote. Review the details for accuracy, and contact our team for any necessary adjustments.

3. Purchase Your Bond

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

To renew your Utah Notary Bond, you must purchase a new $5,000 surety bond from a state-authorized provider when reapplying for your notary commission. After obtaining the bond, you must submit it along with your notarized Oath of Office through the Utah Notary Online System as part of your application. The bond must be valid for the full four-year term of your new commission.

To become a notary public in Utah, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a structured application process:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age and Citizenship: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Residency or Employment: Applicants must have lawfully resided in Utah or been employed in the state for at least 30 days prior to applying and maintain permanent residency or employment thereafter.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must be able to read, write, and understand English.

Application Process:

1. Study and Examination: Prepare for and pass the state's mandatory online notary exam.
2. After completing the exam, you will be required to submit a background check. As of November 1, 2019, all Notary Public applicants in Utah must provide a background check as part of the application process.
3. Application Submission: Complete and submit the notary application, along with the required fees, through the Utah Notary Online System.
4. Obtain a Surety Bond: Secure a $5,000 surety bond from a state-authorized provider.
5. Oath of Office: Complete the Oath of Office form and have it notarized.
6. Document Submission: Submit the original bond and notarized Oath of Office to the Lieutenant Governor's Office within 30 days of application submission.
7. Commission Issuance: Upon approval, receive your notary commission certificate.
8. Notary Seal and Journal: Purchase an official notary seal or stamp and, while not required, maintaining a notary journal is recommended for record-keeping purposes.

To become a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Utah, you must first be a commissioned notary public in the state. Once commissioned, follow these steps to obtain authorization for remote notarizations:

1. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the official Remote Notary Application.
2. Find an Approved Vendor: You must be hired or contracted by a state-approved remote notary vendor. Once hired, the vendor will provide the application you must submit to the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office. A list of approved vendors can be found on the Utah Notary website.
3. Increase Your Notarial Bond to $10,000: You can either obtain a bond rider or adjustment increasing your current $5,000 notarial bond to $10,000, or purchase an additional $5,000 bond. Note that both bonds must be renewed together when your notary commission is renewed.
4. Obtain an Electronic Seal & Signature: Your electronic notary seal and signature must meet Utah’s standards and include a timestamp or digital tracking method. Each vendor will provide a unique version.
5. Submit the Application: Email your completed application, bond rider, and a PDF of your electronic signature and seal to [email protected].
6. Pay the $50 Application Fee: Payment instructions will be sent via email after the Lieutenant Governor’s Office reviews your documents.
7. Final Approval: Once approved, you will be marked as a Remote Notary in the system and receive an email confirmation of your status.