What is a personal bond? How do I obtain one and submit it to the BLM?
A personal bond is, “a written document in which the obligor (operator) formally recognizes an obligation to pay money or to do a specific act.” You must complete BLM Form 3809-2, “Surface Management Personal Bond,” and obtain one of the following acceptable financial instruments from a bank, credit union, or Federal savings and loan, as stated in the regulations at (43 CFR 3809.555): § A guaranteed remittance in US dollars; for example, a cashier’s check, a money order, cash, or an official bank check. § A certificate of deposit or other fixed-time deposit account.§ An irrevocable letter of credit.§ U.S. Treasury securities (bills, notes, or bonds). The signatory on a personal bond must be acknowledged by a notary. The bond and corresponding financial instrument (which may be sent by the bank) may or may not be submitted to the BLM at the same time.
