What duties can a notary perform?

A notary in the state of Florida may administer oaths (or affirmations), take acknowledgments, make attested photocopies of certain documents, solemnize marriages, verify vehicle identification numbers and certify contents of safe deposit boxes.

What is Notary Error & Omissions Insurance? Do I need it?

Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance, commonly referred to as E&O Insurance, is designed to protect the notary in the event he or she made an unintentional mistake during a notarization. The policy will cover attorney fees, settlements and court fees up to the policy limit. The notary is not required to reimburse anything.

In our opinion, Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance is just as crucial to you as having your notary bond. E&O Insurance is your safeguard against costly and time consuming lawsuits.

What is a notary public?

A notary public is a public official commissioned by a state’s commissioning authority to perform certain functions or notarial acts. A notary’s primary responsibility is to serve as an impartial witness in the execution of documents to help prevent and deter fraud.

What's the difference between a notary bond and notary insurance?

Each notary public in the State of Florida is required to secure a $7,500 notary bond. The notary bond protects the public in case an error is made by the Florida notary. If a claim is filed against the notary’s bond, any monies recovered from the bond are initially paid by the surety company but must be repaid by the notary.

Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance, however, is optional insurance that protects the Florida notary in case a mistake or error is made. Just as you protect your home, car and other personal effects with insurance, you need to protect your notarial acts with Florida Notary Public Errors and Omissions Insurance. The term of the policy is the same as your Florida notary commission. Policies may be purchased at a nominal premium with various limits.

If you are a currently commissioned notary public, it’s not too late to purchase Errors and Omissions Insurance! Rates can be prorated based on the remaining length of your commission.

I’m a Real Estate broker and have E&O insurance for my brokerage. Will that cover my notary as well?

Usually, E&O Insurance only covers one particular area. We advise you to contact the agency you have your real estate E&O Insurance through and inquire about specifics on your policy.

Our Notary Errors and Omissions products offer excellent protection for Notaries; however, the provisions of the policy extend exclusively to honest errors or omissions related to official notarial acts. This policy is not intended to cover any acts unrelated to actual notarial acts, such as, but not limited to errors made handling signing agent documents or other non-notary responsibilities of a signing agent in relation to real property transactions for mortgage lenders, title or escrow companies.

What is a Notary Bond? Why do I need it?

A notary bond is a surety bond that protects the public against any errors or mistakes that a Florida notary may make while performing notarial duties. A notary bond in the amount of $7,500 is required by the State of Florida in order for you to be commissioned or re-commissioned as a notary public and is valid throughout your 4-year term. Remember, the notary bond does not protect the notary. If a claim is made against your notary bond, you may be required to repay the surety company. To insure that your notarial acts are covered, purchase Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance.

I have a notary bond, why do I need Errors & Omissions Insurance?

Your bond protects the public, if for some reason, a mistake was made. E&O Insurance protects you, the notary. The notary bond ensures the public that the notary will perform his or her duties in accordance to Florida law, and if not the public will be paid for any damages up to the price of the bond. E&O insurance protects the notary if an unintentional mistake is made.

To learn more about E&O Insurance, check out the Notary Insurance page, or feel free to contact us.

What should I do with an old notary stamp?

When your notary stamp or seal is no longer valid, you need to ensure you are properly disposing them. This means that they should not be usable when you throw them away-- you do not want to discard a stamp or seal that can still be used to make an impression.

To ensure an impression cannot be made, we recommend you remove the rubber impression pad from the base of the stamp and cut it into pieces. For additional security, you can dispose of the pieces in separate receptacles.

For the embosser, break the die insert into two pieces, or as many pieces as you can. If you cannot break it, file some of the raised portions of the insert so it will not create an impression.

Never throw your old commission information away fully intact; you do not want someone using your information.