What must a corporate surety obtain from the commissioner’s office?

A corporate surety must obtain a certificate of authority from the commissioner’s office to legally issue surety bonds within a state. This certificate serves as a formal approval that validates the surety’s ability to conduct business in compliance with state regulations. It signifies that the surety meets the necessary financial and legal standards required by the state and assures stakeholders that the surety has the backing and capacity to fulfill its obligations related to the bonds it issues.

While a license to operate might be necessary in some contexts, it is the certificate of authority that specifically allows a surety to act in the capacity of issuing bonds. Endorsements may be relevant in different licensing processes but are not the primary requirement for a corporate surety to operate. A bond of fidelity, which relates to protecting against employee dishonesty, is not a prerequisite for a surety to issue bonds. Therefore, obtaining the certificate of authority is the essential step for a corporate surety.