Kentucky 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 Kentucky
- Regulating Body: The Kentucky Secretary of State
- Bond Amount: $1,000
- Premium Price: $80–$120 based on E&O coverage
What Is a Kentucky Notary Bond?
A Kentucky notary bond ensures that notaries follow the law and act ethically. All notaries public in Kentucky need a $1,000 surety bond.
By filing this surety bond, you agree to perform all duties as required by law. The bond protects your clients if you fail to do so.
How Much Do Notary Bonds Cost?
Kentucky notary bonds cost a low, flat rate of $80 for four years of coverage plus $10,000 errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
You can add additional E&O coverage for just $20–$40 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 Kentucky Notaries
All notaries in Kentucky need a $1,000 surety bond 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
In other words, the notary bond protects your clients while E&O insurance protects you.
How to Get Your Notary Bond
You can get your Kentucky notary bond in three quick steps:
- Select your E&O coverage option
- Enter your name and address
- Provide payment details
We’ll email you the bond minutes after you check out.
How Does a Notary Bond Work?
When you file a Kentucky notary bond, you enter a contract with two other parties.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Principal | You, the bonded notary public |
| 2) Obligee | The Kentucky Secretary of State |
| 3) Surety | Us, the issuing surety provider |
If you break the bond terms, anyone harmed can file a claim on the bond. If valid, the surety reimburses the claimed damages up to the bond amount.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
Kentucky notary bonds last for four years. If you renew your notary commission, you’ll also need to renew your bond.
We’ll provide reminders during the renewal period. Just pay the renewal premium and we’ll issue a new bond form for you to file.
Can I Update My Bond?
If the Office of the Secretary of State requires your documentation to be edited, contact your surety provider.
If you purchased from us, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common change requests are to update your notary name or county.
How to Become a Notary Public in Kentucky
The Office of the Secretary of State requires notaries public to be legally commissioned before performing services in Kentucky. You must meet the following requirements to qualify for appointment:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Live or be employed in Kentucky
- Be fluent in English
- Have no previous felony convictions
If applying for a special commission, you must be a resident of the county. Learn all the details on how to get a Kentucky notary public appointment in our guide.
