NE

Nebraska Notary Requirements

Complete compliance guide for notaries in Nebraska. Commission terms, fee schedules, authorized services, and regulatory requirements.

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Quick Facts

Commission Term

4 years

Bond

$15,000

Application Fee

$30

Issuing Authority

Nebraska Secretary of State

Journal

Optional

Fee Caps

Yes

What makes Nebraska distinctive

  • Nebraska permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.

Authorized Services

Core Services

Free Tier
Acknowledgment
Authorized
Jurat
Authorized
Oath / Affirmation
Authorized
Affidavit
Authorized
Deposition
Authorized
Protest
Authorized
Copy Certification
Not authorized
Bills in Chancery
Not authorized
Witnessing
Authorized
Safe Deposit Box
Not authorized

Advanced Services

Pro Tier
Remote Online Notarization
Authorized
Marriage Solemnization
Not authorized
eNotarization
Authorized
Electronic Copy Cert.
Not authorized

Identity Verification Methods

  • Personal Knowledge
  • Government-Issued ID
  • Credible Witness

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

RON Available

Nebraska authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.

Key Considerations

  • NOT a RULONA state - operates under own Chapter 64 notary statutes
  • Online Notary Public Act effective July 2020 (Legislative Bill 186, May 2019)
  • Electronic Notary Public Act enacted 2016
  • 4-year commission term
  • $15,000 surety bond REQUIRED ($30-$50 cost for 4-year term)

Regulatory Authority

Nebraska Secretary of State - Notary Division

Visit official website

Statutory Authority

Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.

Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 64

Notaries Public

Primary statutory authority. RULONA adopted: No. Effective: Online Notary Public Act provisions effective July 2020 (Legislative Bill 186, May 2019). Electronic Notary Public Act enacted 2016.

Section 33-133

Section 33-133

Referenced in state compliance data

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a notary commission valid in Nebraska?

A Nebraska notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Nebraska Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.

How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Nebraska?

Nebraska charges $30 as the application fee to the Nebraska Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.

Does Nebraska require a notary bond?

Yes. Nebraska requires a notary surety bond of $15,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.

Is a notary journal required in Nebraska?

Nebraska does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.

Is a notary seal or stamp required in Nebraska?

Yes. Nebraska notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Nebraska Secretary of State - Notary Division.

Can Nebraska notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Nebraska authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.

What identity verification methods can Nebraska notaries use?

Nebraska notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.

Does Nebraska cap notary fees?

Yes. Nebraska sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum fees per notarial act: Acknowledgment of deed/instrument $5; Certificate and seal $5; Affidavits and seal $2; Administering oath/affirmation $2; Protest $1; Recording protest $2; Notice of protest $2; Mileage at state rate (section 81-1176).

Who regulates notaries in Nebraska?

Nebraska notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Nebraska Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.

Does Nebraska authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?

Yes. Nebraska authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.

What notarial acts can Nebraska notaries perform?

Nebraska notaries are authorized to perform 9 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.

Ready to Become a Notary in Nebraska?

Start your application through the Nebraska Secretary of State - Notary Division.

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