Last Updated:|Reflects current Montana notary bond requirements
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Highest Bond in Nation
Montana Notary Bond$25,000 • 4-Year Term
Get instant approval for Montana's $25,000 notary bond—the highest requirement in the nation. 4-hour education + 80% exam required. Download your bond in minutes.
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A- rated carriers - accepted by Montana SOS
$25,000
Bond Amount
4 Years
Term Length
4 Hours
Education
80%
Exam Pass
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Instant
Approval Process
99.7%
Approval Rate
A-
Rated Carriers
$50-100
Typical Cost
Quick Answer
According to MCA §1-5-410, Montana requires a $10,000 surety bond from an admitted insurer. Most applicants receive instant approval with no credit check. You must file your bond with the Montana Secretary of State when applying for your commission.
What Are the Montana Notary Requirements?
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be Montana resident or military/business exception
- Must be able to read and write English
- Must complete 4 hours approved education ($25-50)
- Must pass exam (50 questions, 80% required, $0 fee)
- Exam must be within 6 months of application
- Must post $25,000 surety bond ($50-100 typical cost)
- Must pay $25 application fee
Important: Montana requires the highest notary bond in the nation ($25,000, tied with Indiana) plus mandatory 4-hour education and 80% exam since July 1, 2020. All requirements must be met before commission.
How to Get Your Montana Notary Bond
1
Complete Education
Complete 4 hours of approved Montana notary education ($25-50)
2
Pass Exam & Get Bond
Pass 50-question exam (80% required) and purchase your $25,000 bond instantly
3
Apply Online
Upload bond and certificates through Montana SOS Online Portal with $25 fee
Serving Notaries Throughout Montana
We serve all major cities and smaller towns across Montana
Billings
Missoula
Great Falls
Bozeman
Butte
Helena
Kalispell
Havre
Anaconda
Miles City
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Montana notary bond cost?+
According to MCA §1-5-410, Montana requires a $10,000 notary bond. This one-time premium covers your entire commission period. Most applicants qualify for instant approval.
Is an exam required for Montana notaries?+
Yes, Montana requires all applicants (new and renewing) to pass an online exam consisting of 50 questions with 60 minutes to complete, requiring 80% to pass. The exam must be taken within 6 months of application. If you fail after 3 attempts, you must wait 3 months before retrying. The exam is free (no additional cost beyond application fees).
What education is required for Montana notaries?+
Since July 1, 2020, all Montana notary applicants must complete at least 4 hours of approved notary education within 12 months before applying. Renewing notaries can alternatively complete 2 hours in each of the 3 years preceding renewal. The education typically costs $25-50 and covers Montana Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.
Can I get a Montana notary bond with bad credit?+
Yes! Montana notary bonds typically qualify for instant approval with no credit check for most applicants. Your credit score generally does not affect approval or pricing for these surety bonds, even with the $25,000 amount.
How long is a Montana notary commission valid?+
Montana notary commissions are valid for 4 years. You must renew your bond, complete required education, pass the exam again, and submit a new application before expiration to continue serving as a notary.
Why does Montana require such a high bond amount?+
Montana requires a $25,000 bond (tied with Indiana for highest in the nation) due to the state's significant mining operations, energy sector transactions, extensive agricultural land deals, and vast geographic territory where notaries serve critical roles in high-value property and business transactions. The higher bond provides stronger public protection for these industries.
How do I file my Montana notary bond?+
Montana uses a standardized bond form that includes the Statement of Qualifications and Oath of Office. You must sign the bond as principal, then have a current notary notarize your oath signature. Upload the completed PDF through the Montana Secretary of State's Online Notary Portal along with your education and exam certificates when applying.
What does a Montana notary bond protect?+
A Montana notary bond protects the public from financial losses due to a notary's errors, negligence, or misconduct. The bond ensures injured parties can recover up to $25,000, though it does not protect the notary from personal liability—if a claim is paid, you must reimburse the surety company.
Should I purchase E&O insurance in Montana?+
While not legally required, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is strongly recommended for Montana notaries. The $25,000 bond protects the public but requires you to reimburse the surety. E&O insurance protects you personally and typically costs $50-100 annually for $50,000-100,000 in coverage.
When did Montana add the education and exam requirements?+
Montana implemented mandatory education (4 hours) and examination (80% passing) requirements effective July 1, 2020, as part of adopting the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts. All applicants—both new and renewing—must meet these requirements.
Can non-residents become Montana notaries?+
Montana allows non-residents in specific situations: spouses/legal dependents of active duty military personnel stationed in Montana, those maintaining a registered Montana place of business, those regularly employed at a Montana office, or those holding a current Montana professional license. Standard residency is not required in these cases.
Can I notarize documents immediately after receiving my commission?+
No, you cannot perform notarial acts until after you: (1) complete 4-hour education, (2) pass the 80% exam, (3) obtain your $25,000 bond, (4) submit everything through the SOS Online Portal with $25 fee, and (5) receive your commission certificate from the Montana Secretary of State. Only after completing all steps can you legally notarize documents in Montana.
Other State Notary Bonds
Official Montana Resources
Montana Secretary of State - Notary Division
Comprehensive guidance, applications, and resources at sosmt.gov/notary
U.S. Treasury Surety Bonds
Learn about surety bonds and the federal surety bond program at Treasury.gov
Legal Authority
- • Montana Code §1-5-619(4)(d) (Bond requirement - $25,000)
- • Montana Code §§1-5-601 through 1-5-634 (Revised Uniform Law)
- • Education and exam requirements effective July 1, 2020
Official Montana Requirements
"Montana law requires notary publics to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $10,000."Montana Secretary of State • Montana Code Annotated §1-5-410
Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.
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