Idaho Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Idaho?

Yes. Idaho Code § 51-121 requires that, at the time of submitting the application, an applicant for a notary commission submit to the Secretary of State an assurance in the form of a surety bond, or its functional equivalent, in the amount of $10,000. The assurance must be issued by a surety or other entity licensed or authorized to do business in Idaho (or, for certain state employees whose duties require a commission, through the state’s risk management office).

The assurance covers acts performed during the term of the commission. If a notary violates Idaho notary law, the surety or issuing entity is liable under the assurance. The surety must give the Secretary of State 30 days’ notice before canceling the assurance and must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of paying a claim. Critically, a notary may perform notarial acts only during the period a valid assurance is on file — so allowing the bond to lapse suspends notarial authority.

The Idaho Secretary of State administers the notary program, receives the bond and application, and issues the commission.

How to become a notary in Idaho

1. Confirm eligibility: be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, be a resident of Idaho or have a place of employment or practice in Idaho, and be able to read and write.
2. Purchase a $10,000 Idaho notary bond from an insurance agent or authorized surety.
3. Complete the Notary Public Application form.
4. Submit the bond and application to the Secretary of State with the $30 filing fee.
5. Receive your Notary Certificate from the Secretary of State, which authorizes you to purchase a stamping device.
6. Purchase your stamping device to complete the commission. Recommissioning notaries may continue using their current stamp.

The Secretary of State also offers a notary handbook and training course to help applicants learn their duties.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Idaho

The $10,000 assurance is mandatory and protects the public: it provides recovery for people harmed by a notary’s violation of Idaho notary law, and the surety can seek reimbursement from the notary after paying a claim. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and different — it protects the notary by covering defense costs and liability for unintentional errors. Idaho requires the bond, not E&O, so carrying E&O is a personal decision made in addition to the required assurance.

Renewing your Idaho commission

Idaho commissions are not renewed in the traditional sense. When a term ends, you simply reapply for another 6-year commission by completing the application form and obtaining a new bond. You do not need a new rubber stamp seal if your existing one still shows the correct information. Reapplying before your current commission expires helps avoid a gap in authority, since a valid assurance must be on file to notarize.

Remote online notarization in Idaho

Idaho provides for notarial acts performed for remotely located individuals. Notaries who wish to perform remote or electronic notarizations must meet the additional technology, identity-verification, and registration requirements set out under Idaho law and by the Secretary of State before performing those acts.

Non-resident notaries in Idaho

Idaho does not strictly require residency. An applicant qualifies by being a resident of Idaho or by having a place of employment or practice in Idaho, which allows people who work in the state but live elsewhere to be commissioned, so long as they meet the other eligibility criteria and file the required bond.