Not in Alabama? Public official bonds in other states

Alabama public official bonds.
From $100.

Alabama requires many public officers to file an official bond before being sworn in, under Code of Ala. § 36-5-1 and the surrounding chapter. The amount is set by statute, charter, or the governor; the price is 0.35% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — enter what your office requires, with one soft credit pull, and your exact price appears at the application.

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Required of many state, county, and municipal officers before entering office, under Code of Ala. §36-5-1

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Amount set by statute, charter, or the governor for the specific office — there is no single figure

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0.35% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — a soft credit pull runs for approval and never affects your score

0.35% of amount$100 minimumExactprice shown at the applicationSoft pullnever affects your score

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How it works

Apply to sworn in, fast.

Here's the whole process — one application and a soft credit pull, then you file with the right office:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply once, online

Your details, the office, the bond amount required, and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. That is the application.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

SAME DAY

File and record the bond

Receive the executed bond, ready to file and record where § 36-5-1 directs (Secretary of State, probate judge, or other recording office). Wet-ink originals mailed whenever required.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the official bond actually covers

Alabama's official bonds chapter (Title 36, Chapter 5) requires many public officers to give bond before entering on the duties of office. Code of Ala. § 36-5-1 governs how those bonds are filed and recorded; the bond guarantees the officer will faithfully perform the duties of the office and account for public funds.

The amount is not one fixed number. It is set by the statute, charter, or order that applies to the specific office — for some officers, § 36-5-4 lets the governor fix the amount of additional bonds for agents and employees of state departments, boards, and agencies.

If an officer defaults — misuses public money or breaches an official duty — the state or an injured party can recover against the bond, and if the surety pays, the officer repays the surety. Because the figure varies by office, enter the amount your position requires and we issue it — premiums are 0.35% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

Code of Ala. §§ 36-5-1, 36-5-4Code of Alabama 1975 Title 36, Chapter 5 ("Official Bonds") requires many public officers to give an official bond before taking office. Section 36-5-1 governs filing and recordation of state officials’ bonds (including the Secretary of State); the penal amount is set by the statute, charter, or order applicable to the specific office. Section 36-5-4 lets the governor fix the amount of additional bonds for agents and employees of state departments, commissions, bureaus, boards, and agencies. Confirm the required amount for your office.

You need this bond if you are

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An elected or appointed officer a statute or charter requires to be bonded before taking office

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A county or municipal official — treasurer, clerk, tax collector, or similar custodian of public funds

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An agent or employee of a state agency for whom the governor has fixed an additional bond under §36-5-4

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Renewing or re-bonding at the start of a new term of office

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Alabama public official bond?Premiums are 0.35% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — the price is set by the amount you enter, with a soft credit review for approval. The amount itself is set by the statute, charter, or governor’s order that applies to your office — there is no single figure. Your exact price appears at the application.

Who has to file an official bond?Many state, county, and municipal officers who handle public funds or hold positions of trust, under Title 36, Chapter 5. The specific offices and amounts are set by the statutes and charters governing each position.

Where do I file the bond?Section 36-5-1 directs where official bonds are filed and recorded — often the Secretary of State for state officials, or the probate judge for county officers. File it where the law for your office requires.

Is there a credit check?Yes — one soft credit pull for approval, which never affects your score. The premium itself is 0.35% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, set by the amount you enter — not by the credit check.

What amount should I choose if I am not sure?Check the statute, charter, or appointment order for your specific office — that fixes the penal sum. Send it to us and we will confirm the amount before issuing.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Alabama bonds.

Official bond, on file before you are sworn in.

0.35% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, short application, soft pull only. Free until issued.

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Your premiumfrom $100

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