You’ll need to file your official paperwork with the entity requiring your bond, which is formally known as the bond's "obligee."
Most bonds need to be signed by you, the bond's "principal," before they can be filed. Some obligees accept digital bond paperwork with digital signatures, while others require original, physical signatures made with an ink pen. The obligee determines your signature requirements, so you'll want to verify exactly who should sign your bond to avoid any potential errors.
Who decides how the bond is filed?
Only the obligee can set the bond filing requirements, not you or your surety. Depending on the obligee, you might be able to submit your official bond paperwork digitally on a website or by email. However, some obligees still require physical bonds with a raised seal imprint and ink signature. These bonds can sometimes be filed by mail, while some obligees require file in-person filing. You'll need to verify the exact instructions with your specific obligee.
A few bonds, such as Business Service Bonds, ERISA Bonds and Tax Preparer Bonds in California, don't have to be formally filed with anybody. You’ll want to store your official bond paperwork somewhere safe so you can easily find it if needed.
What if my bond is filed through NMLS?
If your bond needs to be filed through NMLS, we’ll typically upload the official electronic surety bond form on your behalf. However, you’ll need to grant authority to your issuing surety provider.
When you log in to your NMLS account, enter the surety’s name or surety identifier (NAIC/NPN) as found on your bond information from the surety. The obligee can’t accept your bond until you authorize the surety.
If you have questions about how to sign or file your bond, call 1 (800) 308-4358 or email customercare@suretybonds.com, and one of our representatives will be happy to walk you through your bond filing instructions.