UtahNotary Bond

According to Utah Code §46-1-3, Utah requires a $5,000 notary bond. This one-time premium covers your entire 4-year commission period. Most applicants qualify for instant approval.

Utah requires all notaries to obtain a $5,000 surety bond before commissioning. The bond must be filed with the Lieutenant Governor along with your application and remain active for the entire 4-year commission period. The bond protects the public from financial losses caused by notarial errors.

No, Utah does not require notaries to take an examination. However, you must meet all other requirements including being at least 18 years old, a Utah resident, able to read and write English, obtaining the $5,000 bond, and passing a background check.

To get a Utah notary bond: 1) Apply online with basic information, 2) Pay the premium ($50-80), 3) Receive your bond certificate instantly, 4) Print your bond certificate, 5) File it with the Utah Lieutenant Governor along with your notary application and $40 filing fee.

The Utah notary application process involves: 1) Purchase a $5,000 surety bond, 2) Complete the online notary application at notary.utah.gov, 3) Submit application, bond, and $40 filing fee, 4) Pass background check, 5) Wait 2-3 weeks for processing. After approval, purchase your notary seal and journal before performing notarial acts.

Yes, Utah law requires notaries to maintain a journal of all notarial acts. The journal must include the date and time, type of notarial act, type of document, name and address of each person for whom a notarial act is performed, evidence of identity presented, and the fee charged if any.

To become a Utah notary, you must be at least 18 years old, a Utah resident, able to read and write English, and have no felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude unless pardoned or rights restored. You must also submit to a background check conducted by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification.

The standard processing time for Utah notary applications is 2-3 weeks after the Lieutenant Governor receives your complete application package, including the bond, application form, and $40 filing fee. You can check your application status online at notary.utah.gov.

Yes, Utah allows notaries to perform electronic notarizations and remote online notarizations (RON) using approved technology platforms. Utah notaries must register separately for electronic notarization and comply with specific security and identity verification requirements outlined in Utah Code.

To renew your Utah notary commission, you must purchase a new $5,000 bond, complete a renewal application online, pay the $40 filing fee, and pass a new background check. Start the renewal process at least 4-6 weeks before your commission expires to ensure continuous coverage.

E&O insurance is not legally required in Utah, but it is strongly recommended. The $5,000 bond protects the public from your errors but does not protect you personally. E&O insurance provides personal liability coverage, protecting you from financial losses if you make a notarial mistake.

If a valid claim is filed against your Utah notary bond, the surety company investigates the claim. If found valid, the surety pays the claimant up to $5,000. However, you are legally required to reimburse the surety for all amounts paid, plus investigation costs. This is why proper notarial procedures and maintaining accurate journal records are essential.