The bond protects the public
Every Texas notary must carry a $10,000 surety bond for the four-year commission. If a notary's mistake or misconduct causes someone a loss, that person can claim against the bond. The surety pays a valid claim, up to $10,000, and then collects the full amount back from the notary.
So the bond guarantees the public will be paid. It does not pay for you.
E&O protects you
Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance covers you if you make an honest mistake while notarizing and someone makes a claim against you. Up to the policy limit, the insurer pays the claim instead of you, and policies generally cover defense costs within that limit. You do not repay the insurer the way you repay a surety.
Texas does not require E&O. Every Lone Star bond includes $5,000 of E&O at no additional cost.
Side by side
| Notary bond | E&O insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it protects | The public | You, the notary |
| Required in Texas | Yes | No |
| Amount | $10,000 | The limit on your policy ($5,000 included with Lone Star) |
| Who ends up paying a valid claim | You, after the surety pays and collects from you | The insurer, up to the limit |
| Legal defense costs | Not covered | Generally covered within the limit |
| Term | Four years, matching your commission | Set by the policy |
An example
A notary does not check a signer's ID closely, and a forged document goes through. The person harmed loses $4,000 and files a claim.
- With only the bond: the surety pays the $4,000 claim, then sends the notary the bill for $4,000.
- With the bond and $5,000 of E&O: the E&O insurer handles the claim up to its $5,000 limit, so the notary is not paying the $4,000 out of pocket.
How much E&O makes sense
That depends on the documents you notarize and the risk you carry. Real estate and loan documents involve bigger dollar amounts than everyday affidavits. The choice is yours. If you want to talk through a higher limit, ask Star in the chat or call us and a licensed agent will walk through the options.
Texas notary bond. $45.
4-year, $10,000 bond with $5,000 of E&O included, filed with the Secretary of State for you. About 10 minutes once your state education is done.
Get My BondSee the full Texas notary bond price breakdown and step-by-step process.
Common questions
Is E&O insurance required for Texas notaries?
No. Texas requires the $10,000 notary bond. E&O is optional, and every Lone Star bond includes $5,000 of E&O at no additional cost.
Does the notary bond pay my legal fees?
No. The bond pays valid claims to the public and the surety then collects that money back from you. E&O is the coverage that helps with claims made against you.
Is the $5,000 of E&O really included in the $45 price?
Yes. The $45 Lone Star bond package includes $5,000 of E&O coverage at no additional cost.
Who underwrites the Lone Star notary bond?
American Surety Company, an A-rated carrier licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.