Mississippi Notary Bond: How to Get Your $5,000 Bond

Every notary public in Mississippi must post a $5,000 surety bond as part of being commissioned. No bond, no commission — the Secretary of State won't complete your appointment without it. The good news: this is one of the simplest bonds there is. Here's exactly what it is, why the state requires it, and how to get yours filed.

Ready now? Apply for your Mississippi notary bond online, or call United Risk Agency in Gulfport at 228-206-3853 and we'll take care of it with you.

The requirement, straight from the state

Under Mississippi law (Miss. Code § 25-34-41) and the Secretary of State's notary guidance:

• Bond amount: $5,000
• Filed with: the Mississippi Secretary of State, together with your Oath of Office
• Issued by: a surety company licensed by the Mississippi Department of Insurance
• Coverage period: your acts as a notary during your commission term
• Commission term: 4 years — the bond runs with that term

The Secretary of State's own checklist puts it plainly: file a $5,000 surety bond and the Oath of Office with the Secretary of State.

What the bond actually does

A notary bond is not insurance for you. It protects the public. If someone is financially harmed by your misconduct or a serious error in your notarial acts, they can make a claim against the bond for up to $5,000. The surety company investigates and pays valid claims — and because a bond is a guarantee rather than insurance, you are responsible for repaying the surety for what it pays out on your behalf.

That distinction matters when you shop: some sellers bundle the bond with errors & omissions (E&O) insurance, which is the product that protects you. E&O is optional and separate from the required bond. If you're offered a package, make sure you know which part is the state-required $5,000 bond and which part is the optional extra — buy the bond first, then decide on E&O with clear eyes. (Our Surety Bonds vs. Insurance explainer walks through this difference in more depth.)

Who needs a Mississippi notary bond?

• New notary applicants — the bond is part of your initial commission paperwork
• Renewing notaries — a new commission term means a new bond covering that term
• Anyone whose employer asks them to become a notary — banks, law offices, dealerships, real estate and title offices, shipping and logistics businesses all commonly need a commissioned notary on staff. If that's you, the requirement is still personal: the commission and the bond are in your name

How to get your bond: 3 steps

Step 1: Start your notary application with the Secretary of State

Follow the Secretary of State's application process first so you know your commission details are in order. The bond and oath are filed as part of that process.

Step 2: Purchase the $5,000 bond

Apply online through our bond portal — search "Mississippi notary" — and complete the short application. You do not pay $5,000; you pay a one-time premium for the four-year term, which the application will quote you based on the bond. Prefer a person? Call 228-206-3853.

Step 3: File the bond and oath with the Secretary of State

Sign your bond, and file it with your Oath of Office as the Secretary of State directs. Keep a copy with your commission certificate, and put a reminder on your calendar before your four-year term ends — renewal means a new bond.

What it costs — and what it doesn't

The $5,000 figure is the bond amount (the coverage limit for claims), not the price. Your cost is a one-time premium for the full four-year term, quoted in the application. Notary bonds are among the lowest-cost bonds because the amount is small and the risk profile is simple — but we won't put a specific dollar figure in print, because your quote should come from the actual application, not a guess. If a website promises you a specific price before you've applied, read the fine print for bundled extras you may not need.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mississippi notary bond really required?

Yes. State law requires a $5,000 surety bond (or its functional equivalent) from a surety licensed by the Mississippi Department of Insurance, and the Secretary of State requires the bond and your Oath of Office to be filed before your commission is complete.

How long does the bond last?

It covers your notarial acts during your commission, and a Mississippi notary commission runs four years. When you renew your commission, you'll post a new bond for the new term.

Does the bond protect me if I make a mistake?

No — the bond protects the public, and you must repay the surety for valid claims it pays. Protection for yourself is errors & omissions insurance, which is separate and optional.

Can I get the bond if my credit isn't great?

Very likely, yes. Small license bonds like this one are among the most accessible bonds issued. Apply and see your actual result rather than assuming the worst.

How fast can I get it?

Notary bonds are straightforward and are typically issued quickly once you apply. If your commission paperwork is on a deadline, call us at 228-206-3853 and tell us the date.

I need an Alabama notary bond instead. Is it the same?

No — and the difference is big. Alabama requires a $50,000 notary bond, filed through the probate judge in your county of residence. See Alabama Notary Bond: The $50,000 Bond, Explained and our Alabama surety bond guide.

Get your notary bond filed

Need a surety bond in Mississippi? United Risk Agency can help you explore your bond options and request a quote. Apply for your $5,000 notary bond online — or contact our Gulfport team at 228-206-3853.

United Risk Agency, Gulfport, Mississippi. Licensed in MS, AL & FL. Serving Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and notaries across Mississippi. More in our Mississippi surety bond guide.