Public Official
Public Official Bond
A public official bond is a surety bond an elected or appointed official must file before taking office, guaranteeing faithful performance of the duties of that office.
- Required by
- State statutes and local governments; in Alabama the bond is approved by a designated officer and filed with the circuit clerk and the State Comptroller
- Bond amount
- Set by whoever requires the bond. We confirm it.
What this bond guarantees
The bond promises the official will faithfully perform the duties of the office and properly account for public money. It is usually payable to the state, county, or city treasury. A claim arises when the official fails to perform those duties or mishandles public funds, causing a loss.
Who needs it
- Probate judges, tax assessors, and tax collectors
- County and city treasurers and clerks
- Sheriffs, constables, and other officers who handle public money
What the underwriter looks at
- The office held and the statutory amount for it
- Amount of public money handled
- The official's personal credit and history
Requirements vary by state and by who asks for the bond. Send us the request you received and we will confirm exactly what it calls for.
Common questions
What happens if I do not file my bond on time?
In Alabama, an official required by law to give bond who fails to file it within the time fixed by law vacates the office (Code of Alabama 36-5-15). File as early as you can so any corrections can be made before you take office.
How is the bond amount set?
Statute sets it by office. For example, the Alabama probate judge bond amount comes from a table in Code of Alabama 12-13-33. Your appointing or approving authority can tell you the exact figure.