Key Takeaways
- A $5,000 surety bond is required for the 4-year commission term
- The bond protects the public from financial losses caused by notary misconduct
- If the bonding company pays a claim, they will seek reimbursement from the notary
- Commission term is exactly 4 years from the effective start date
- Notaries have statewide jurisdiction within Utah
Bond and Commission Requirements
Understanding the surety bond and commission structure is essential for Utah notaries. The bond serves as financial protection for the public, while the commission defines the scope and duration of your authority.
Surety Bond Requirements
What Is a Notary Bond?
A surety bond is a three-party agreement between:
- Principal (the notary) - agrees to perform duties properly
- Obligee (the public/state) - the protected party
- Surety (the bonding company) - guarantees payment if the notary fails
Bond Specifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bond Amount | $5,000 |
| Term | 4 years (matches commission term) |
| Premium Cost | Approximately $50 (one-time payment) |
| Issuer | Must be a company authorized to write surety bonds in Utah |
How the Bond Protects the Public
The bond reimburses any person who suffers financial losses caused by a notary's:
- Negligence in performing notarial acts
- Errors or mistakes on notarial certificates
- Misconduct or fraudulent behavior
- Failure to follow proper procedures
Important: If the bonding company pays a claim to a victim, the company will seek to recover the full amount from the notary. The bond is NOT insurance for the notary.
Bond Name Matching
Your name on the notarial bond must match exactly with:
- Your notary application
- Your commission certificate
- Your notary seal/stamp
Any discrepancy can delay or invalidate your commission.
Commission Details
Commission Term
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years from effective start date |
| Start Date | Date on your bond becomes your commission start date |
| Expiration | Midnight on the expiration date shown on your certificate and seal |
| Grace Period | NONE - commission is invalid after expiration |
Jurisdiction
Utah notaries have statewide jurisdiction, meaning you may perform notarial acts anywhere within Utah's borders. However:
- You must perform the act within Utah
- Your authority does not extend to other states
- For Remote Online Notarization (RON), you must be physically located in Utah
Commission Renewal
To renew your commission:
- Complete the renewal process before your current commission expires
- There is no grace period for renewal
- You must pass a new exam and complete all requirements again
- Obtain a new 4-year bond
What Happens at Expiration
If your commission expires:
- You may NOT perform any notarial acts
- Using your seal after expiration is a violation
- Any notarizations performed after expiration are invalid
- You must start the application process again from the beginning
Cost Summary
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Testing and Administration Fee | $95 |
| Surety Bond (4-year term) | $50 |
| Notary Seal/Stamp | $20-$30 |
| Total Initial Cost | $165-$175 |
On the Exam
- Bond amount: $5,000
- Commission term: 4 years
- Bond recovery: Surety company seeks reimbursement from notary after paying claims
- Grace period: None - commission is immediately invalid at expiration
What is the purpose of the notary surety bond?
How long is a Utah notary commission valid?
What happens if a notary performs a notarization after their commission has expired?