Rule 14c.Deposit in Lieu of Surety Bond

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 14c lets a party who would otherwise file a surety bond deposit cash or certain government or bank obligations instead, in the same amount and on the same conditions, with any interest added to the deposit.

Full Text of Rule 14c

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Wherever these rules provide for the filing of a surety bond, the party may in lieu of filing the bond deposit cash or other negotiable obligation of the government of the United States of America or any agency thereof, or with leave of court, deposit a negotiable obligation of any bank or savings and loan association chartered by the government of the United States of America or any state thereof that is insured by the government of the United States of America or any agency thereof, in the amount fixed for the surety bond, conditioned in the same manner as would be a surety bond for the protection of other parties. Any interest thereon shall constitute a part of the deposit.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 14c gives parties a cash alternative to a surety bond. Wherever the rules call for a surety bond, a party may instead deposit cash or a negotiable obligation of the United States government or one of its agencies. With the court's leave, the party may also deposit a negotiable obligation of a federally insured bank or savings and loan.

The deposit must match the bond amount and carry the same conditions, protecting other parties just as the bond would. Any interest the deposit earns becomes part of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash instead of posting a surety bond in Texas?

Yes. Rule 14c lets you deposit cash or specified U.S. government or federally insured bank obligations in the bond amount, on the same conditions as the bond.

Who gets the interest on the deposit?

The interest becomes part of the deposit itself.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 14c), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: deposit in lieu of surety bondcash deposit instead of bondcash in lieu of bondnegotiable obligationTRCP 14c