Montana Notary Bond Guide
If you're applying for a notary commission in Montana, you need to file a surety bond. Read this guide to learn the ins and outs of the bonding process.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect the public and the state from fraudulent notary actions
- Who Needs It: Any person applying to become a public notary in Montana
- Regulating Body: The Montana Secretary of State
- Required Coverage: $25,000 bond plus optional E&O coverage
- Premium Rate: $40 for the 4-year term, $75–$115 with E&O
What is a Montana notary bond?
Montana Rule 44.15.03 requires individuals file a $25,000 surety bond before being commissioned to perform notarial acts. Montana notary bonds are issued by an approved surety company for 4-year terms that coincide with the notary commission. The surety company must notify the state within 30 days if a claim is filed or if the bond will be canceled.
How much does a Montana notary bond cost?
Montana notary bonds cost $40 for the state-required 4-year term. You can also add errors and omissions insurance coverage to ensure you are not held personally liable for mistakes made while notarizing documents.
How do I get a notary bond in Montana?
To get a Montana notary bond, choose the which of the notary packages you would like and provide your name and address to buy your bond securely online in minutes. Once your payment is received, your official bond documents will be delivered to your email.
How fast can I get a notary bond in Montana?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant Montana notary surety bond delivery 24/7. Purchase now to receive your official bond delivered in minutes by email.
Why do you need a Montana notary bond?
These Montana surety bonds protect individuals from fraudulent activity that might occur when notaries validate a document. By posting this bond, notaries agree they'll follow rules outlined in Montana state law. If the notary fails to do so, a claim can be filed against the bond.
Who regulates appointments for notaries in Montana?
The Montana Secretary of State enforces appointment regulations and manages notary forms for individuals providing notary service in the state.
Who can become a notary in Montana?
To become a Montana notary public, applicants must meet the following qualifications.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read or write English
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
- Be a resident of Montana or;
- be the spouse or legal dependent of military personnel assigned to active duty in Montana
- maintain a place of business in the state of Montana that is registered pursuant to Title 35 and meets the applicable business licensing requirements of its local government
- be regularly employed at an office, business, or facility located within Montana by an employer registered to do business in Montana; or
- hold a current professional license to practice the profession in Montana
How do I update or change my notary bond form?
If the Montana Secretary of State requires your personal surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.
How do I renew my notary bond in Montana?
Montana notary surety bonds must be renewed whenever the current 4-year term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, a new surety bond form will be issued and sent to you for your next notary commission term.
What is the process to become a notary in Montana?
Applicants must do the following to become a Montana notary public.
- Complete at least four hours of an approved training notary course. Save an electronic copy of the certificate; you will be required to download a copy when submitting your online application.
- Take and pass the Montana Notary Exam. You will need to submit a copy of the exam certificate with your online filing. You can request that the Montana Notary Exam certificate be emailed to you and save it; alternately, you can download a hard copy of the certificate and scan it before beginning the online application.
- Obtain a notary surety bond. You must use the name that you intend to use as your official notary name. Montana requires all surety companies to use a standardized notary bond form that also includes the Statement and Oath of Office.
- Complete the Montana Notary Public Online Application. You will need to create a Montana ePass account to log on to the Online Notary Portal. You can track the process of your application by logging in to check your "Work Queue."
- Download your certificate of commission.
- Obtain your seal or stamp and notary journal.
If you have questions about becoming a notary public, contact the Montana Secretary of State's office by calling (406) 444-1877 or emailing [email protected].
