Answer first: California notaries public must file a $15,000 official surety bond under Government Code §8212, and CTEC-registered tax preparers generally must maintain a $5,000 surety bond under Business and Professions Code §22250.1. These are statutory bond amounts, not premium prices. A bond protects the public or eligible claimants, not the notary or preparer personally; E&O insurance is separate. Call (209) 670-1556. Insurance City Agency, LLC — CA License #6003045. Stockton and Central Valley service.
California notary public bond: $15,000 under Government Code §8212
California requires every appointed notary public to execute an official surety bond in the amount of $15,000. The California Secretary of State filing checklist explains where and when to file. The official Government Code §8212 text confirms the amount and requires an admitted surety insurer rather than a deposit.
The notary bond is not insurance for the notary. It provides a limited source of funds for qualifying claims tied to official misconduct or neglect. The notary remains personally liable and may have to reimburse the surety.
Notary term and county-clerk filing
The official bond follows the notary’s four-year commission term. After the commission is issued, file the oath and bond with the county clerk where the principal place of business is located within 30 calendar days from the commission commencement date. The current Secretary of State Notary Public Handbook explains that the commission does not take effect until filing is complete; Government Code §8213 covers the process.
- Confirm the commission commencement date.
- Obtain the $15,000 bond from an admitted surety provider.
- Complete the oath according to county-clerk instructions.
- File both documents on time and keep receipts and filed copies.
CTEC tax-preparer bond: $5,000 under California law
People who prepare tax returns for another person for a fee and are subject to the Tax Preparers Act generally register with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). CTEC’s official registered tax preparer requirements list obtaining and maintaining a $5,000 tax-preparer bond. CTEC’s legislative authority page reproduces the current rule in Business and Professions Code §22250.1, including the $5,000 principal sum and proof of age.
The bond benefits people damaged by covered fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation, deceit, unlawful acts, or omissions. It is not personal insurance for the preparer. Exemptions can apply to CPAs, attorneys, enrolled agents, and certain employees, so confirm status with CTEC.
Bond vs. E&O insurance
| Question | Surety bond | E&O / professional liability |
|---|---|---|
| Whom does it protect? | The public or eligible claimant; the principal may reimburse the surety. | The insured professional for covered claims, defense, and damages according to the policy. |
| Why is it required? | A statute or licensing program requires financial responsibility. | Optional or contractually requested protection for professional mistakes. |
| What drives pricing? | Bond amount, term, credit, history, financial strength, and surety underwriting. | Services, revenue or payroll, limits, claims history, form, and deductible. |
Factor-only bond pricing
Bond premiums are not a public flat rate. An actual quote depends on required bond amount, term, credit, financial and claims history, business experience, surety appetite, and whether collateral or an indemnity agreement is required. No premium range is stated here. Call (209) 670-1556 with the statutory requirement and application details.
Other license and permit bonds
California businesses may encounter contractor license, auto-dealer or DMV, court, janitorial, fiduciary, permit, or other statutory and contractual bonds. The required amount, obligee, form, filing method, term, and claim rules come from the license, agency, court, or contract. Do not substitute a generic bond for the exact form requested.
| Context | What to verify |
|---|---|
| License or permit | Obligee, statutory amount, approved form, filing office, dates, and renewal. |
| Court or fiduciary | Court order, case number, principal, obligee, amount, and delivery instructions. |
| Contract or commercial | Agreement, required wording, deadline, indemnity, finances, and claim procedure. |
What to have ready
- Legal name, DBA, address, entity type, and contact information.
- The statute, license, commission, CTEC record, court order, or contract naming the obligee.
- Exact bond amount, term, effective date, and filing deadline.
- Identification and proof of age when requested.
- Credit, financial, prior bond, claims, indemnity, and collateral information.
- For a notary: commission packet, oath, county instructions, and principal-business county.
- For a tax preparer: CTEC details, PTIN, bond number, effective date, and renewal.
Call (209) 670-1556 before filing if the obligee’s wording is unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bond replace E&O insurance?
No. A bond protects the public or eligible claimant; E&O is separate professional-liability coverage for the insured.
Can a notary file after 30 days?
The Secretary of State says the oath and bond must be filed within 30 calendar days from the commission commencement date. Ask the county clerk and Secretary of State what to do if the deadline was missed.
Does every tax professional need the CTEC bond?
Not every person is subject to the same rule. CTEC exemptions can apply to certain licensed professionals and employees; confirm your status with CTEC.
Does a bond claim mean the surety absorbs the loss?
No. The surety may pay an eligible claim, but the principal can remain responsible to reimburse it.
How can I request an actual quote?
Call (209) 670-1556 with the bond form, amount, term, obligee, filing date, and application information.
Insurance City Agency — Stockton 956 W. Robinhood Drive, CA 95207; San Jose 25 N 14th St Ste 125, CA 95112 — (209) 670-1556. CA License #6003045. Reviewed by Santo Militello, California-licensed agent and owner (CA Lic. #1737723). Our licensed team brings more than 70 years of combined insurance experience. No broker fees on standard policies (Stockton & San Jose offices). Last reviewed 2026-09-27.