Illinois Notary Public Surety Bond

Apply for your Illinois Notary Public Surety Bond

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What does the bond cover?

This bond protects the public against any damages caused by the misconduct or negligence of an Illinois Notary Public. The bond is written for $5,000, and runs for a 4-year term for a resident Notary.

Who needs this bond?

All appointed Notaries Public are required to file this bond with the Secretary of State before performing any of their duties, in accordance with the Illinois Notary Handbook, Article II 2-105.

How much does this bond cost?

For Illinois resident Notaries Public, this bond costs $100 ($50 premium + $fee) for a 4-year bond.
Non-resident Notaries must apply for a quote, and are only eligible for a 1-year, $5,000 bond.

How do I apply?

To apply for your Illinois Notary Public Bond, complete and submit the application below. You may also download a PDF application, and email it to apps@southcoastsurety.com, or fax it to (949)-361-9926. If you choose to email or fax your application, please download and complete a payment form and attach it to your documents.

For resident applicants, your bond will be issued within 1-3 days after you submit a completed application and payment. Non-resident applicants will receive a quote for their 1-year bond, and can proceed with their application from there. Bonds are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis, but we generally issue bonds within 1-3 days.

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Why do I need a surety bond for my Illinois Notary Public commission?

All appointed notaries are required to file this bond with the Secretary of State, in accordance with the Illinois Notary Handbook Article II 2-105. A surety bond is a three-way agreement between a Principal (the Illinois Notary Public), an Obligee (Illinois Secretary of State), and a surety company (the company backing the bond). A surety bond does not function like an insurance policy for the Principal; instead, it protects the Obligee and the Illinois public against any damages caused by negligence or fraud on behalf of the Principal. The bond is a guarantee that the Principal understands and fully agrees to comply with all rules and regulations pertaining to their Notary Public appointment.

This $5,000 bond runs for 4 years (1 year for a non-resident), and costs $100 (non-residents must apply for a quote). Until it is filed with the Secretary of State, the Notary will not be allowed to perform their duties.

If the Notary Public violates the terms of their appointment, and therefore the terms of their bond, there will likely be a claim filed against the bond in order to cover the financial damages. The surety bond will pay the damages (up to the amount of the bond), at which point the Principal is obligated to fully repay the surety. In addition to repayment, the surety company may revoke the bond, which will thus make the Notary appointment invalid until a new bond can be filed.

A claim against your bond can be thought of as a mark against your "credit" in the bond market, and a history of claims will cause problems in any future bond application processes. It is important to understand the terms of your appointment and bond to avoid claims, potential damages, and the violation of trust bestowed on you in your Notary appointment. If you are unable to obtain a surety bond, you will be unable to receive a Notary appointment in the state of Illinois.

What Our Customers Have to Say

More Reviews

I have processed 2 defective title bonds through South Coast Surety and I am the type that gets worried for any little detail and want to make sure everything is done correctly the first time to prevent double work for myself and everybody. Knowing how I am both times I had to call customer service and they answered every little question I had in a very nice and gratifying way that made me feel I would not have any problems in which I did not. South Coast Surety has the ultimate best customer service.

Gaby - CA
May 2019

I was shopping for a surety bond for the first time and having trouble communicating with several different companies. When I contacted South Coast Surety they responded quickly and performed the transaction quick and easy. I might have been able to find a lower price, but their professionalism was worth a couple extra dollars.

KG C. - CA
April 2019

We are opening up a Mental Health Residential Treatment Center and needed a Surety bond since we will be handling some clients cash resources. I reached out to South Coast Surety, they sent me an application, paid our premium and had our bond sent to us immediately. Everyone I spoke to and emailed was courteous, attentive and responded very quickly. We will most definitely continue to get all of our bond services from South Coast.

John F. - CA
September 2021

Great customer service from South Coast Surety. When I had questions about the bond and process, their customer service team assisted me with a sense of urgency and answered my questions. I recommend using their services. I will be a returning customer.

P&C B. - CA
April 2021

I needed a surety bond and was referred by another company to south coast. I am very impressed with the level of customer service in every stage of issuing the bond, the rapid response to the get the bond issued and communication with the team. Great team and awesome service. I highly recommend South Coast Surety for you bond needs.

Mirwais A. - CA
March 2021

I was in need of obtaining my CA Insurance Bond. I was able to obtain my required Bond quote online within minutes. I approved the quote and requested the Bond to be issued. On the same day, I received the Evidence of Coverage. Could not ask for better pricing or better service. I highly recommend South Coast Surety to meet a wide range of Bonding needs.

Udo G. - NJ
‍January 2018

Celebrating 25 Years of Committed Surety Service

South Coast Surety has been proudly providing surety support to all fifty U.S. states for twenty years. Starting out as a small agency with a dream in San Clemente, California, we have steadily grown into one of the largest bond-only agencies in the nation. We write all commercial bonds and contract bonds for every American business and industry. Our greatest achievement is helping our clients grow their business alongside our own through coaching and obtaining larger bonding limits at the best rates. We work hard for our clients and take pride in bonding businesses that have been declined by our competitors.