TX Notary Surety Bond and Errors & Omissions Insurance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the required surety bond amount for a Texas notary public?
- $5,000
- $10,000 (Correct answer)
- $15,000
- $25,000
Correct answer: $10,000
Texas law requires all notary publics to obtain a $10,000 surety bond as a condition of receiving their commission.
Question 2: To whom is the Texas notary surety bond submitted as part of the commission application?
- County Clerk
- District Court
- Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- State Comptroller
Correct answer: Secretary of State
The surety bond is submitted to the Texas Secretary of State as part of the notary commission application.
Question 3: Who is primarily protected by a Texas notary's surety bond?
- The notary public
- The notary's employer
- The surety company
- Members of the public (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Members of the public
The surety bond is designed to protect members of the public who suffer financial harm due to a notary's misconduct or errors.
Question 4: How long does a Texas notary's surety bond remain in effect?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 4 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: 4 years
The surety bond term matches the Texas notary commission term of 4 years.
Question 5: What should a Texas notary do if their surety bond is cancelled before their commission expires?
- Continue notarizing until the commission expires
- Immediately cease all notarial acts and notify the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
- Purchase E&O insurance as a substitute
- File a new application for a reduced bond amount
Correct answer: Immediately cease all notarial acts and notify the Secretary of State
A notary whose bond is cancelled must stop performing notarial acts and notify the Secretary of State, as an active bond is required to maintain a valid commission.
Question 6: What type of entity must provide the surety bond for a Texas notary public?
- A Texas state agency
- A federally chartered bank
- A company authorized to do business in Texas (Correct answer)
- A nonprofit bonding organization
Correct answer: A company authorized to do business in Texas
The surety company providing the notary bond must be authorized to conduct business in the state of Texas.
Question 7: When must a Texas notary public obtain their surety bond?
- Within 30 days after receiving the commission
- Before submitting the notary commission application (Correct answer)
- Within 60 days of being commissioned
- After completing required notary training
Correct answer: Before submitting the notary commission application
The surety bond must be obtained and submitted along with the notary commission application to the Secretary of State.
TX Notary Surety Bond and Errors & Omissions Insurance 1
What is the required surety bond amount for a Texas notary public?