Arkansas Notary Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect the public and the state from illegal notary actions
- Who Needs It: Any person applying to become a public notary in Arkansas
- Regulating Body: The Arkansas Secretary of State, Business & Commercial Services Division
- Bond Amount: $7,500
- Premium Price: $50–$170 based on E&O coverage
What Is an Arkansas Notary Bond?
An Arkansas notary bond ensures that notaries follow the law and act ethically. By filing this surety bond, you agree to perform all duties as required by law. The bond protects your clients from financial damages if you fail to do so.
How Much Do Notary Bonds Cost?
Arkansas notary bonds cost a low, flat rate of $50 for 10 years of coverage.
Want extra protection? Add on optional errors and omissions coverage for just $80–$120 more. Buy your bond in minutes.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
Bond and E&O Requirements for Arkansas Notaries
All notaries in Arkansas need $7,500 bond coverage and can choose optional E&O coverage. Here’s how they work together:
- Surety Bond: Can reimburse clients for notary malpractice or serious professional mistakes
- E&O Insurance: Protects a notary if a client takes legal action due to accidental errors or omissions
How to Get Your Notary Bond
You can get your Arkansas notary bond in minutes using the form on this page. It only takes three steps:
- Select your E&O coverage option
- Enter your name and address
- Provide payment details
We’ll email you the bond right after you check out. If you don’t see the bond in 5–10 minutes, please check your junk folder.
How Does the Bond Work?
When you file an Arkansas notary bond, you enter a legally-binding contract with two other parties.
- Principal: You, the bonded notary public
- Obligee: The Arkansas Secretary of State, Business & Commercial Services Division
- Surety: Us, the issuing surety provider
If you break the bond terms, anyone harmed can file a claim on the bond. If a claim is valid, the surety reimburses the damages up to the bond amount.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
Arkansas notary bonds last for 10 years. If you renew your notary commission, you’ll also need to renew the surety bond.
We’ll send out helpful reminders during the renewal period. To extend your bond term, just pay the renewal premium. We’ll issue a new bond for you to file with the SOS.
Can I Make Changes to My Bond?
If you need to update information on your bond form like a name or address, contact your surety company. You can reach us at [email protected] with the change request.
When possible, we issue free bond rider forms to amend existing bond forms.
How Do I Become a Notary Public in Arkansas?
The Arkansas SOS’ Business & Commercial Services Division (BCS) regulates public notary appointments. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
- Be a legal resident of Arkansas or a legal resident of an adjoining state and employed in Arkansas
- Able to read and write English
- Have not had a notary commission revoked in the past 10 years
- Have no felony convictions
- Understand the duties of a notary public
Learn how to get a Arkansas notary public commission in our step-by-step guide.
