Notary and contractor bonds
Bonds explained in plain English
Need a notary bond, a license or permit bond, or a bid, performance, or payment bond for a job? Stockton-Hill Insurance in Kingston, Ohio helps individuals and contractors get the surety bonds that cities, states, and project owners ask for. We explain the requirement in plain English, gather what the surety needs, and stay with you through the process.
Notary bonds
A notary bond is a surety bond that some states require before you can serve as a notary public. It is meant to protect the public if a notary fails to follow notary law while performing a notarial act. It is not the same as notary errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance, which is optional coverage that can help protect the notary if a claim is made against them.
Ohio notary commissions and bonds
Ohio does not require a surety bond to become a notary public. The Ohio Secretary of State’s application requirements list age, Ohio residency (or Ohio attorney status), a criminal records check, education and testing, and an oath of office — not a bond. Always confirm current rules on the Secretary of State’s notary site before you apply, because requirements can change.
Many other states do require a notary bond as part of commissioning. If you need a notary bond for another state — including help related to Lone Star Notary Bonds — our team can walk you through what the state is asking for.
Contractor and commercial surety bonds
Contractors, trades, and businesses are often asked for bonds before they can pull a permit, bid a job, or start work. Common types include:
- License and permit bonds. Often required by a city, county, or state before you can hold a license or pull certain permits.
- Bid bonds. Show that if your bid wins, you can enter the contract and provide any further bonds the owner requires.
- Performance bonds. Back that you will complete the work according to the contract.
- Payment bonds. Back that subcontractors and suppliers get paid for labor and materials on the project.
Exact wording and amounts come from the obligee (the party that requires the bond) — a government office, general contractor, or project owner. Send us the bond form or the written requirement and we will help you sort out what is needed.
What these bonds protect — and what they do not
Surety bonds are a three-party arrangement: you (the principal), the surety, and the party requiring the bond (the obligee). If you do not meet the bonded obligation, the obligee may have a claim against the bond. Unlike typical insurance, you may have to repay the surety if it pays a claim. Bonds also do not replace general liability, workers’ compensation, or commercial auto. Ask us if you need those coverages too — see our business insurance page and trade pages such as excavation, HVAC and plumbing, and landscape.
What to have ready for a quote
- The bond form or written requirement (obligee name, bond amount, and effective dates).
- Your legal name (individual or business) and address.
- For contractor bonds: job or license details, and any financial or experience information the surety requests.
- For notary bonds: the state and any commission details you already have.
Who to talk to
Megan Ward, Customer Service Manager and Bonds, helps with bonds alongside personal and commercial service. Marie Jalagat helps with personal lines service and Lone Star Notary Bonds. Prefer to talk now? Call (740) 642-3333 or request a call back.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ohio require a surety bond to become a notary public?
No. The Ohio Secretary of State’s notary application requirements do not list a surety bond. Ohio notaries must meet age, residency or attorney, criminal-records, education and testing rules, then take an oath of office. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules at ohiosos.gov/notary/ before you apply. Many other states do require a notary bond — we can help when a bond is needed.
What is a notary bond?
A notary bond is a surety bond some states require before you can act as a notary. It protects the public if a notary fails to follow the law while notarizing. It is not the same as errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance, which is optional coverage that can help protect the notary.
What kinds of contractor bonds do you help with?
Common requests include license and permit bonds, bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds. Tell us what the city, county, state or project owner is asking for and we will walk through the next steps.
What is the difference between a bid bond, a performance bond and a payment bond?
A bid bond backs your bid so you can enter the contract if you win. A performance bond backs that you will complete the work as agreed. A payment bond backs that subcontractors and suppliers get paid. Many public projects ask for more than one of these.
What information do you need for a bond quote?
Bring the bond form or requirement (who needs to be named, amount, and effective dates), your legal business or individual name, address, and any financial or experience details the surety asks for. For contractor bonds, job details and a copy of the contract or bid specs help. For notary bonds, the state and commission details help.
How long does a bond take?
Timing depends on the bond type, the amount, and how complete your information is. Simple license or notary bonds are often quicker than large performance bonds. We will set expectations once we see the requirement — we do not promise a fixed turnaround.
Who should I talk to about bonds at Stockton-Hill?
Start with our team in Kingston. Megan Ward handles bonds as Customer Service Manager and Bonds, and Marie Jalagat helps with personal lines service and Lone Star Notary Bonds. You can also call (740) 642-3333 or request a quote online.
Looking for something different?
- Business insurance for liability, property and package coverage
- Personal insurance for home, auto and more
- Contact us with a general question
Let's explore your options
Whether you're requesting a quick personal quote or a detailed commercial review, you'll connect with a real person who listens, explains clearly, and follows through. Sharing your current policy summaries or insurance documents helps us provide faster, more accurate guidance tailored to your needs.
- [email protected]
- (740) 642-3333
- Text: (740) 688-3050
- 10212 State Route 159, PO Box 648, Kingston, OH 45644
- M–Th: 9am–5pm · Fri: 9am–3pm · S–S: Closed
Fridays after 3pm, the office is closed, but our phones are still answered, so feel free to call.
Fax (877) 747-9032