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Notary Requirements for Nevada: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Fire Wave rock formation in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, with vivid red and white sandstone layers under a colorful desert sunset sky.

This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Nevada as of May 2025. It covers eligibility criteria, the application process, commission renewals, required supplies (bond, seal, journal), remote online notarization rules, and answers common questions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Nevada notary commission, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Age and Residency: Be at least 18 years old and a resident of Nevada.

    • Non-residents: May qualify if residing in an adjoining state (California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, or Arizona) AND regularly employed or conducting business in Nevada. Non-residents must provide:

      • An affidavit detailing their out-of-state residence and Nevada business address.

      • Copies of their (or their employer’s) Nevada state business license and local business licenses.

      • An employer affidavit confirming regular employment at a Nevada location.

  • Civil Rights: Must possess civil rights. If previously convicted of a felony, civil rights must have been restored.

  • Clean Record: No prior notary commission revocations in Nevada or any other state. No felony or major crime convictions involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude.

  • Notary Training: Successfully complete the state-mandated Nevada Notary Public Training Course and pass the Notary Commission Exam. This is required for all new and renewing notaries.

Providing false information on a notary application is prohibited and will lead to denial.

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Application Process for New Notary Commission (Online via SilverFlume)

The Nevada notary commissioning process is primarily online through the Secretary of State’s SilverFlume portal, with some local steps for the bond and oath.

  1. Complete Notary Training & Exam:

    • Enroll in and pass the Nevada Notary Public Training Course and Notary Commission Exam ($45 fee paid to the Secretary of State).

    • The course is offered via the NV Secretary of State’s approved training site.

    • If you fail the exam, you must wait at least 24 hours to retake it.

  2. Purchase a $10,000 Surety Bond:

    • Obtain a 4-year, $10,000 Nevada notary surety bond from an authorized bonding company. Costs typically range from $50-$90.

    • The bond protects the public from financial harm due to notarial misconduct.

    • Ensure the bond is issued in your name as it appears on your application and will be effective when filed.

  3. Take Oath of Office & File Your Bond with the County Clerk:

    • Appear before the county clerk in your county of residence (or employment for non-residents).

    • File your surety bond (signed by you and the surety) and take the Oath of Office. You can take the oath at the clerk’s office or before another Nevada notary public.

    • Bring a valid photo ID. Pay the filing fee (typically $20).

    • The clerk will issue a Filing Notice (Clerk’s Certificate) confirming your bond and oath are on file. This is essential for your state application.

    • Your bond and oath must be filed before the Secretary of State will appoint you.

  4. Submit the Notary Application via SilverFlume:

    • Create an account on Nevada’s SilverFlume business portal (nvsilverflume.gov) and complete the Notary Public Application online.

    • Upload:

      • Notary Training/Exam Certificate.

      • The original Filing Notice from the county clerk.

      • Completed Application Form (may require printing, hand-signing, then scanning/uploading).

    • Pay the $35 state application fee online.

    • Ensure accuracy; missing information or documents can cause rejection. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.

  5. Receive Your Notary Commission:

    • Upon approval, the Secretary of State will issue your Certificate of Appointment, showing your commission term and number.

    • You cannot perform notarial acts until you have this certificate and your official notary seal.

Surety Bond

A $10,000 surety bond is mandatory for the entire 4-year Nevada notary commission term.

  • Purpose: Protects the public by providing a financial guarantee against losses from a notary's negligence or fraud. The notary is liable to reimburse the surety for any paid claims.

  • Provider: Must be issued by a surety company authorized in Nevada.

  • Filing: The bond, along with your Oath of Office, must be filed with your county clerk before the state issues your commission.

  • Bond vs. E&O Insurance: The bond protects the public. Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance (optional) protects the notary from personal liability for unintentional errors.

  • Name Changes: If you change your name, notify your surety company.

If your bond is canceled or lapses, your commission may be suspended.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

Both an official seal and a journal are mandatory for every notarial act in Nevada.

Notary Seal (Stamp):

  • Required: An inked rubber stamp. Embossers are not sufficient.

  • Shape & Size: Rectangular, no larger than 1″ x 2½″, with a border.

  • Required Information:

    1. Your name as it appears on your commission.

    2. The title “Notary Public, State of Nevada.”

    3. Your commission expiration date.

    4. Your notary commission number.

    5. If a non-resident notary: the word “Nonresident.”

  • (Optional): The Great Seal of Nevada.

  • Usage: Affix a legible imprint on every notarial certificate, near your signature. Do not obscure text.

  • Security: Keep the stamp secure. Report loss or theft to the Secretary of State within 10 days and obtain a replacement.

Notary Journal:

  • Required: A tangible, bound journal with pre-printed page numbers for all traditional paper notarizations. Electronic notaries must keep a secure electronic journal.

  • Entries: Record each act at the time it occurs. Minimum required entries (NRS 240.120):

    1. Date and time of the notarial act.

    2. Type of notarial act.

    3. Description of the document.

    4. Signature, name, and address of each signer (exceptions for "known personally" for repeat clients, but details still recorded).

    5. Method of signer identification (ID details, personal knowledge, or credible witness information).

    6. Fee charged, if any.

  • Security & Access: Keep the journal secure and under your exclusive control. It is a public record and must be accessible for inspection if requested.

  • Retention: Keep journals for 7 years after your commission ends (expiration, resignation). If you cease being a notary, you are still obligated to retain the journal or deliver it as directed by the SOS or county clerk.

  • Loss/Theft: Report lost or stolen journals to the Secretary of State immediately.

Failure to maintain a proper journal is a serious violation.

Oath of Office and Filing Notice

Before commissioning, you must take an Oath of Office and file it with your bond at your county clerk’s office.

  • The Oath: A pledge to support the U.S. and Nevada constitutions and faithfully discharge notarial duties.

  • Administration:

    • At the County Clerk’s Office: The clerk administers the oath.

    • Before another Notary: An active Nevada notary administers the oath; you then file the notarized oath and bond with the county clerk.

  • Filing & Notice: The county clerk files your bond and oath (typically $20 fee) and issues a Filing Notice. This notice must be submitted with your state application.

  • Commission Effective Date: The effective date of your commission will be the start date on your bond, once the state approves your appointment.

Commission Term and Expiration

  • Term Length: 4 years from the date of issuance, aligning with your bond's effective date. The expiration date is on your commission certificate and stamp.

  • Authority: Statewide jurisdiction within Nevada. Authority ceases at midnight on the expiration date.

  • No Grace Period: No authority to notarize after expiration.

  • End of Term Duties: Retain journals for 7 years. Destroy or deface your expired seal.

Commission Renewal Process

Renewing is essentially the same as a new application and must be initiated to avoid a lapse.

  • When to Renew: Submit a renewal application no earlier than 6 weeks before your current commission expires. There is no grace period after expiration.

  • Renewal Steps (identical to new application):

    1. Complete Notary Training & Exam again: Required for all renewals.

    2. Obtain a new $10,000 Bond: For the new 4-year term.

    3. Take Oath & File New Bond with County Clerk: Get a new Filing Notice.

    4. Submit Renewal Application via SilverFlume: Indicate it's a "Renewal." Include new training certificate, new bond filing notice, and pay fees ($35 application + $45 training).

    5. Obtain a New Seal: Your new commission will have a new expiration date, requiring a new stamp.

If your commission lapses, you must reapply as a new notary.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Nevada

Nevada permits commissioned notaries to perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON), termed "Electronic Notarization," for signers not physically present, using audio-video technology. This requires separate registration as an "Electronic Notary Public" (eNotary).

  • Legal Authority: NRS 240.181–240.206.

  • Requirements to Become an Electronic Notary:

    • Current Notary: Hold an active Nevada notary commission in good standing.

    • Select Approved RON Technology Provider: Choose from the Secretary of State's list of approved providers (e.g., DocuSign, Notarize, SIGNiX, etc.).

    • Obtain Electronic Seal & Signature (Exemplar): Your chosen provider will help generate these. An exemplar (sample) must be uploaded with your eNotary application.

    • Complete E-Notary Training & Exam: A state-mandated course and exam specific to electronic notarization ($45 fee).

    • Submit Electronic Notary Registration Application: Via SilverFlume or a specific eNotary portal. Upload your exemplar, identify your provider, and pay a $50 eNotary registration fee.

  • Performing Remote Notarial Acts:

    • Notary Location: Must be physically in Nevada. The signer can be anywhere.

    • Identity Verification: Personal knowledge, credible witness, or multi-factor ID verification (credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication) via the RON platform.

    • Live Audio-Video: Real-time, simultaneous communication.

    • Electronic Signing & Sealing: Done during the live session.

  • Recordkeeping for RON:

    • Electronic Journal: Required for all electronic notarizations, with details similar to a paper journal, noting the act was via audio-video.

    • Audio Video Recording: The entire RON session must be recorded and securely retained for at least 7 years.

  • Fees for RON: Standard Nevada notary fees apply. No additional "technology" fees can be charged to the signer by the notary.

  • eNotary Renewal: Your eNotary registration expires with your regular notary commission and must be renewed concurrently if you wish to continue performing RONs (including retraining and the $50 fee).

Official Resources

  • Nevada Secretary of State – Notary Division: Main source for laws, forms, FAQs, and the online portal (SilverFlume: nvsilverflume.gov).

  • Nevada Notary Public Handbook: Essential PDF guide from the SOS.

  • Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 240: State notary laws.

  • Contact NV Notary Division: nvnotary@sos.nv.gov or (775) 684-7120.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I lose my notary stamp or it’s stolen?

A: Notify the Secretary of State in writing within 10 days. Obtain a replacement seal. Securely destroy the old stamp if found.

Q: How much can a Nevada notary charge?

A: (As of 2025, verify with SOS)

      • Acknowledgments: Up to $15 for the first signature per signer, $7.50 for each additional signature of that signer on the same document.

      • Jurat (Affidavit/Oath): Up to $15 per signature.

      • Administering an Oath/Affirmation (verbal): Up to $7.50.

      • Certified Copy: Up to $7.50.

      • Travel fees: Must be "reasonable" and agreed upon in advance with the signer. These are separate from notarial act fees.

      • Fee disclosure: A notary charging fees must display or present an English-language table of fees.

Q: My commission expired. Can I still renew it?

A: No. If expired, you must reapply as a new notary, following all initial application steps. There is no grace period.

Q: How do I update my name or address on my commission?

A: Notify the Secretary of State within 30 days by submitting a request for an amended certificate (form available on SOS website) and a $10 fee.

      • Name Change: Also requires a new notary stamp with the new name and notifying your bond surety.

      • Address Change: Also inform your county clerk.

      • Failure to update can lead to commission suspension.

Q: Can I notarize documents outside of Nevada or for signers in other states?

A: You must be physically within Nevada to perform any notarial act.

      • In person: The signer must appear before you in Nevada, but they can be from any state/country.

      • RON: You (the notary) must be in Nevada. The signer can be anywhere globally.

Q: Can Nevada notaries perform marriage ceremonies?

A: No. Notary commissions in Nevada do not grant authority to solemnize marriages. Notaries also cannot give legal advice unless they are licensed attorneys.

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