How to Obtain a Notary Bond

A notary in the state of Florida is the intermediary between the public and the state when it comes to verifying legal documents. The purpose of a bond is to protect the person requesting the notarization from financial problems arising from notary errors. In case the notary makes a mistake, the customer may collect up to $7,500 from the bond company that works with the notary.

Get a Notary Education

The first step to becoming a notary is to pass a formal education course within a year of applying for a commission. This course is three hours long and may be taken in person or online.

Once you have your certificate, you may then contact and pay a Florida notary bond agency that will give you the necessary application, notary seal and pay the required state fees. You must have a bonding agency as they provide a surety bond, which is designed to protect the public from notary mistakes or negligence.

Fill Out the Application

Fill out the application provided by the bond agency. It will ask you if you have any felonies or other legal entanglements. If you do, you will need to include information such as a copy of the judgment and other legal documents specified on the application. You are not necessarily denied a notary commission if you have been arrested in the past.

Next, give your completed application to the bond company, who then passes it along to the state of Florida for final review. You must ask your bond agency, not the state, about the status of your application if you want to keep tabs on the process.

Once you’re approved by the state, your bond agency will send you an official seal and certificate. Make sure there are no errors on these two items and get ready to start working as an official notary.