Managing Associations for Surety Bond Producers

Surety bond producers use NMLS to manage associations with surety companies. These associations define the producer’s authority to create and execute Electronic Surety Bonds (ESBs) on behalf of the surety company and maintain representative relationships required for bond execution.

Managing associations is a key function for surety bond producers participating in the Electronic Surety Bond (ESB) process. An association links a surety bond producer with a surety company, establishing the relationship through which the producer can create and manage ESBs in NMLS. Producers are responsible for reviewing, maintaining, and responding to association requests initiated by surety companies.

Purpose of association management

Each association identifies the relationship between a surety company and a surety bond producer, including which states are authorized for bonding, applicable bond limits, and the representatives (Attorneys-in-Fact) who can sign on behalf of the company. These associations ensure that only properly authorized producers and representatives can conduct ESB transactions in NMLS.

The shared topic Purpose of Associations in NMLS Electronic Surety Bonds provides more information about how associations support ESB operations for both surety companies and surety bond producers.

Responsibilities of surety bond producers

  • Search for and view existing surety company associations using the Composite View tab.
  • Review and act on association requests submitted by surety companies, including approving, rejecting, or requesting corrections.
  • Request corrections to current association records when changes to execution authority, authorized states, or bond limits are required.
  • Remove associations that are no longer active or valid.
  • Maintain representative designations within association records to ensure proper bond-signing authority.
Note: Producers must have an active association with a surety company to access that company’s NMLS record and participate in ESB activities.

What this section covers

  • Purpose of Associations in NMLS Electronic Surety Bonds — shared concept explaining how associations enable ESB execution.
  • Accepting an Association Request (Surety Bond Producer Perspective) — how to review and respond to association requests initiated by surety companies.
  • Requesting Corrections or Removing Associations — how to revise or end associations as business relationships or authorizations change.
  • Viewing Associated Surety Companies — how to search for and view surety company details and active associations in NMLS.
Tip: Keep association data synchronized with the producer’s internal business records. Accurate, current association information ensures that only authorized relationships are reflected in NMLS and prevents errors during ESB creation or execution.