This guide provides detailed information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Nebraska as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, application steps, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and common FAQs.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process
- Surety Bond Requirements
- Notary Seal and Journal
- Oath of Office
- Commission Term and Expiration
- Renewal Process
- Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a notary public in Nebraska:
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Age and Citizenship: Must be at least 19 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident.
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Residency: Must reside in Nebraska or, if living in a bordering state, work regularly in Nebraska (with proof of employment).
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Legal History: Cannot have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving fraud or dishonesty within the past five years.
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Language and Knowledge: Must read and understand English and be familiar with Nebraska’s notary laws. First-time applicants must pass a written exam.
Get a notary stamp that meets Nebraska’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.
Application Process
Nebraska requires all notary applications to be submitted online through the Secretary of State’s portal.
Step 1: Pass the Notary Exam
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Take the 20-question online exam.
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You must score 85% or higher.
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You get up to three attempts; failing all three disqualifies you.
Step 2: Obtain a $15,000 Surety Bond
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Must cover your entire 4-year commission.
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Use your legal name and home address.
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Sign the bond twice and have the oath section notarized by another notary.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Upload:
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Exam pass certificate.
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Completed bond with notarization.
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U.S. Citizenship Attestation Form.
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Proof of Nebraska employment (for non-residents).
Pay the $30 application fee online.
Step 4: Receive Commission and Seal
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Download your commission certificate once approved.
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Use it to purchase a compliant ink stamp notary seal with your name, “State of Nebraska,” “General Notary,” and your commission expiration date.
Surety Bond Requirements
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Required for all notaries.
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Protects the public from financial harm due to misconduct.
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Typically costs $30–$50 for a 4-year term.
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Must be notarized and uploaded with your application.
Notary Seal and Journal
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Seal: Must be an ink stamp. Embossers are optional but cannot be used alone.
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Content: Must include “State of Nebraska,” “General Notary,” your name, and expiration date.
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Use: Required on every notarization.
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Journal: Not required but highly recommended. Records should include date, signer info, type of act, and how ID was verified. Store securely and keep for at least 10 years.
Oath of Office
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Must be taken in front of another notary.
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Sign the oath section of your application or bond.
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No additional county recording is needed—everything is filed with the Secretary of State.
Commission Term and Expiration
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Terms last 4 years.
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You may notarize throughout Nebraska.
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No grace period: If your term expires and you haven’t renewed, you must reapply from scratch.
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Renewal applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the date of expiration.
Renewal Process
To renew:
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Must meet the same qualifications as new applicants.
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Must file within the 30-day window before your current commission expires.
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Obtain a new $15,000 bond.
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Complete the online renewal form, upload documents, and pay the $30 fee.
If applicable:
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Electronic Notary renewal: $100.
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Remote Online Notary (RON) renewal: $50.
You’ll need a new seal reflecting the new expiration date.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Nebraska allows notaries to perform online notarizations using secure audio-video technology.
To become a RON notary:
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Hold an active commission.
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Complete state-approved RON training.
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Pass the RON exam.
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Choose an approved RON platform.
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File an online application and pay the $50 fee.
Requirements:
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Notary must be in Nebraska during the act; signer may be anywhere.
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Verify identity through personal knowledge or tech-based credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication.
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Must record and store the audio-video session for at least 10 years.
Fees:
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Up to $25 may be charged in addition to the base notary fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to take a course or join a notary association to become a Nebraska notary?
A: No. Nebraska does not require any third-party courses, memberships, or certifications. All necessary materials—such as laws, instructions, and exam prep—are provided free by the Secretary of State. Some private organizations offer optional training or supply packages, but these are not required and do not substitute for the official process. To become a notary, just pass the state exam and complete the online application with the required documents.
Q: Can I notarize a document for a family member or relative?
A: No. Nebraska prohibits notarizing for close family members, including spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. This rule helps prevent conflicts of interest and maintains the notary’s impartiality. Notarizing a document where you or your family could benefit financially is also strictly forbidden.
Q: What are the requirements for my notary seal? Does it need my commission expiration date?
A: Yes. Your seal must be an ink stamp containing the following: “State of Nebraska,” the words “General Notary” or “General Notarial,” your full commissioned name, and your commission expiration date. All of these elements are mandatory. The seal must be legible and used on every notarized document. Embossers may be used as a supplement, but not alone.
Q: Am I required to keep a journal of my notarial acts in Nebraska?
A: No, but it’s strongly recommended. A notary journal—whether paper or electronic—serves as your official record of each notarization and can protect you legally if a notarization is challenged. It should include details such as the date, signer’s name and ID type, document description, and type of notarial act performed. Maintaining a journal is especially important if you perform remote or electronic notarizations.
Q: How do I change my name or address on my notary commission if I get married or move?
A: If your name changes, you can either:
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Continue notarizing under your original commissioned name until renewal, or
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Submit a name change update (with supporting documents like a marriage certificate) and order a new seal.
For address changes, update your record through the online portal. There’s no fee for address updates, but your commission must always reflect current, accurate information. If you no longer live or work in Nebraska (for non-residents), your commission may become invalid.
Q: Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) legal in Nebraska, and how can I start?
A: Yes, RON has been legal in Nebraska since July 2020. However, you must complete a separate application and be approved by the Secretary of State. Requirements include passing RON-specific training and a test, selecting an approved RON platform, and paying a $50 fee. Once authorized, you can perform online notarizations for signers located anywhere, while you remain physically in Nebraska.
Q: What happens if I don’t renew my notary commission on time? Can I renew after it expires?
A: No. Nebraska does not allow late renewals. If your commission expires—even by one day—you must apply as a new notary, retake the exam, and get a new bond and seal. To avoid this, renew within the 30-day window before your expiration date. Always mark your calendar and submit early to avoid gaps in your authority.
Q: What’s the difference between an In-Person Electronic Notary and an Online Notary?
A: An In-Person Electronic Notary notarizes electronic documents with the signer physically present. An Online Notary (RON) performs notarizations via a live audio-video connection with a remote signer. Both require separate registrations and fees. Only RON allows you to notarize for people not physically with you.
Q: Can I renew early if my commission is about to expire?
A: You can only renew within 30 days before your current commission expires. Applications submitted earlier than that will be rejected by the system. However, you may prepare ahead by obtaining your new bond, completing your documents, and setting a calendar reminder to file when the window opens.
Q: What fees can I legally charge for notary services in Nebraska?
A: You may charge up to:
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$5 for acknowledgments and jurats
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$2 for verifications or signature witnessing
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$1 for certified copies or protests
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An additional $25 for each Remote Online Notarization
Travel fees are allowed if agreed upon in advance with the signer. Always disclose all fees before performing the notarization, and do not exceed the state maximums. You may offer free services, but cannot charge more than allowed by law.