Key Takeaways
- Montana requires a $25,000 surety bond for the 4-year commission term
- Bond must be from a surety company authorized to do business in Montana
- Bond includes Statement of Qualifications and Oath of Office
- The bond/oath must be signed before a current notary public
- Bond protects the public from notary errors or misconduct
Last updated: January 2026
Montana Notary Bond Requirements
Montana requires all notary public applicants to obtain a surety bond before receiving their commission.
Bond Details
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $25,000 |
| Term | 4 years (matches commission term) |
| Issuer | Surety company authorized in Montana |
| Cost | Approximately $50 (varies by provider) |
Purpose of the Bond
The notary bond:
- Protects the public from financial harm caused by notary errors or misconduct
- Does NOT protect the notary — if a claim is paid, the surety company may seek reimbursement from the notary
- Is NOT the same as Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance — E&O insurance protects the notary
The Bond Form
Montana uses a standardized bond form that includes:
- Statement of Qualifications — Affirms you meet eligibility requirements
- Oath of Office — Your sworn commitment to faithfully perform duties
Signing Requirements
| Who Signs | Where |
|---|---|
| Applicant | As principal on the bond |
| Applicant | The Oath of Office |
| Current Notary | Notarizes the applicant's signature on the oath |
Important: You must have the oath notarized by a current Montana notary public (or notary from another jurisdiction).
Bond Timeline
- Complete education and pass exam
- Obtain $25,000 bond from authorized surety
- Sign bond as principal
- Sign oath of office
- Have oath notarized
- Upload bond to SOS online portal with application
If the Bond is Claimed
If someone suffers financial loss due to your notarial misconduct:
- They may file a claim against your bond
- The surety company investigates and may pay the claim
- The surety company may then seek reimbursement from you
On the Exam
- $25,000 bond: This amount is frequently tested
- 4-year term: Matches commission duration
- Public protection: Bond protects the public, NOT the notary
- Must be notarized: The oath requires notarization
Test Your Knowledge
What is the purpose of the Montana notary surety bond?
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Test Your Knowledge
Who must notarize the Montana notary applicant's Oath of Office?
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