Not in Wisconsin? Public official bonds in other states

Wisconsin public official bonds.
From $100.

Many Wisconsin public officers and employees must file an official bond under Wis. Stat. Ch. 19 (19.01), in the amount the statute, ordinance, or appointing authority sets for the office. We issue whatever amount you’ve been told to file — pricing is 0.35% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum.

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Required under Wis. Stat. 19.01 for public officers and employees who must be bonded

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Amount is set by statute, ordinance, or the appointing authority for your specific office

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A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, with no impact on your score

0.35% of bond amount$100 minimumSoft pullnever a hard inquiryFastinstant underwriting for most

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No long underwriting queue for the standard official bond — enter your amount, consent to a soft pull, pay, and file. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your details, the obligee requiring the bond, the amount, and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

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

SAME DAY

File with the authority

Receive the executed official bond, ready to file with the office or authority that required it. Wet-ink originals mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the official bond actually covers

A public official bond — an official bond in Wisconsin terms — guarantees that a public officer or employee faithfully performs the duties of the office. Wisconsin’s general framework is Wis. Stat. Ch. 19, and 19.01 treats any bond given as an official bond as carrying all the conditions the law requires, regardless of its wording.

The bond runs in favor of the public the office serves. If a bonded officer fails to perform an official duty, or commits an act forbidden by law, and that causes a loss, the harmed party can recover against the bond. The specific amount comes from the statute, ordinance, or authority that requires the bond for that office.

It is not insurance for you — if the surety pays a claim, you repay the surety. Because the amount is set per office, enter the figure you were told to file; pricing is variable from $100, and a quick soft credit check may apply.

Wis. Stat. 19.01 (General duties of public officials)Wisconsin Statutes 19.01 governs official oaths and bonds: a bond given as an official bond by a public officer is deemed to contain all the conditions the law requires, and county-employee bonds are approved by the district attorney as to amount, form, and execution. The specific bond amount is set by the statute, ordinance, or appointing authority for the particular office — confirm yours before filing.

You need this bond if you are

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A public officer required to be bonded under a statute or local ordinance

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A treasurer, clerk, or custodian of funds for a county, town, village, or district

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Newly elected or appointed and required to file an official bond before taking office

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Renewing an official bond for a continuing term in a bonded office

One application, then filed.

Submit the application with your required bond amount and a one-time soft-pull consent — the executed official bond is generated, ready to file.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Wisconsin public official bond?Pricing is 0.35% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The bond amount itself is set by the statute, ordinance, or authority that requires the bond for your office. Enter that figure at the application and your exact price appears there.

What does the official bond guarantee?That you faithfully perform the duties of the office and don’t commit acts the law forbids. If you fail to and someone is harmed, they can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Who sets the bond amount?The statute, ordinance, or appointing authority that requires you to be bonded sets the amount for your office. For county employees, the district attorney approves the amount, form, and execution. Send us your requirement and we’ll confirm.

Is there a credit check?Yes — a quick soft credit check may apply. It’s never a hard inquiry and won’t affect your score; it informs approval, not price.

Can the government pay for my bond?Under 19.01, the state or a county, town, village, city, or school district may pay the cost of an official bond furnished by its officer or employee. Check with your office — but you can still apply here and arrange reimbursement.

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 Wisconsin bonds.

Official bond, issued today.

From $100. Enter the amount your office requires and file it the same day.

Start application

Your premiumfrom $100

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