Key Takeaways
- Colorado does NOT require a surety bond for notary commissions
- Employers may independently require bonding
- Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is optional but recommended
- E&O insurance protects notaries from personal liability
- Notaries can be personally liable for damages caused by misconduct
Last updated: January 2026
Bonding and Insurance
Colorado is among the minority of states that does NOT require notary public bonds. However, understanding insurance options is important for protecting yourself.
Colorado Bond Requirements
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| State-Required Bond | NOT required |
| Employer-Required Bond | May be required by employer |
| Filing with State | Not applicable |
Comparison: Colorado vs. Other States
| State Type | Bond Requirement |
|---|---|
| Colorado | No bond required |
| Many other states | $5,000 - $25,000 bond required |
| Some states | Bond + additional requirements |
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
E&O insurance is optional but highly recommended:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| What It Covers | Mistakes made during notarization |
| Who It Protects | The notary from personal liability |
| Typical Coverage | $25,000 - $100,000 |
| Annual Cost | Approximately $25-$50/year |
Why Consider E&O Insurance?
| Risk | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Honest mistake | Personal liability | Coverage provided |
| Legal fees | Out-of-pocket | Often covered |
| Settlement costs | Personal assets at risk | Policy pays |
Personal Liability
Even without required bonding, Colorado notaries can be held personally liable:
| Violation | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|
| Negligent notarization | Civil lawsuit |
| Failure to identify signer | Damages to injured party |
| Improper procedures | Financial liability |
| Official misconduct | Personal and legal consequences |
Employer Bonding Requirements
Some employers require notary employees to be bonded:
| Employer Type | Common Requirement |
|---|---|
| Banks/Financial institutions | Often required |
| Title companies | Often required |
| Law firms | Sometimes required |
| General employers | Varies |
On the Exam
Key points for the exam:
- State bond: NOT required in Colorado
- E&O insurance: Optional but recommended
- Employer bond: May be required independently
- Personal liability: Notaries are liable for misconduct
Test Your Knowledge
Does Colorado require notaries to obtain a surety bond?
A
B
C
D