Last updated: February 19, 2026. Based on Connecticut Secretary of the State notary licensing page and notary manual guidance.
Connecticut Notary Bond: Fast Answer
If you searched "Connecticut notary bond requirement," the key point is:
- Connecticut does not impose a mandatory notary surety bond filing requirement in its core licensing fee/step flow.
- The Connecticut notary manual states notaries may elect to purchase a surety bond and/or E&O insurance as optional risk protection.
Bond Amount: What Connecticut Requires
| Item | Connecticut 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mandatory surety bond amount | None required by default licensing flow |
| Optional bond purchase | Allowed (notary may elect) |
| Optional E&O insurance | Allowed (notary may elect) |
Who Needs a Bond in Connecticut?
For standard Connecticut notary commissioning:
- No mandatory bond filing is listed as a required appointment step.
- Most applicants can complete the process without buying a bond.
Who might still buy one:
- notaries handling high-volume business signings,
- notaries who want extra public-facing financial backing,
- notaries whose employer or client contracts request bond/E&O coverage.
Where to Buy an Optional Bond
If you choose optional coverage, you usually buy from:
- licensed insurance agencies,
- surety carriers,
- notary-supply vendors partnered with insurers.
Always verify provider licensing and policy terms.
Connecticut Filing Workflow (No-Bond Baseline)
- Apply with Connecticut SOTS and pay required state fees.
- Complete/pass exam requirements.
- Receive commission and complete post-appointment steps.
- Renew on cycle to maintain active status.
A bond purchase is optional risk management, not a default filing gate in this workflow.
State Fees and Term (2026)
| Fee/Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial appointment application fee | $120 |
| Exam fee | $100 |
| Renewal fee | $120 |
| Electronic commission/legal-name update fee | $20 |
| Notary commission term | 5 years |
E&O vs Bond (Do Not Mix These)
- Surety bond: protects the public if a covered notarial error/misconduct causes loss.
- E&O insurance: protects the notary from certain defense/loss costs.
A common mistake is assuming a bond protects the notary personally. It generally does not.
Claim Process Basics (If You Buy a Bond)
Typical sequence:
- Injured party files claim with surety.
- Surety investigates and may pay covered loss up to bond terms.
- Surety can seek reimbursement from the notary for paid claims.
This is why many notaries pair optional bond with E&O.
Renewal and Coverage Timing
Because Connecticut commission term is 5 years:
- track your renewal deadline early,
- if you buy optional bond/E&O, align policy term dates with your commission calendar,
- avoid lapses during high-volume signing periods.
Common Mistakes
- Believing Connecticut has a mandatory bond amount like many other states.
- Buying optional bond without understanding exclusions.
- Assuming bond equals personal malpractice protection.
- Forgetting renewal timeline and fee planning.
- Not documenting policy and commission dates in one calendar.