The Nebraska Secretary of State (SOS) commissions all notaries. A notary is authorized to administer oaths, take depositions and acknowledgments, and perform other duties as authorized by state law. Nebraska notaries operate according to Nebraska Revised Statutes 64-101-215.
Learn how to become a public notary in Nebraska by following the steps below.
How to Get a Nebraska Notary Public License
To receive a notary commission in Nebraska, you must meet these eligibility requirements first:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Be a resident of Nebraska or a bordering state
- Maintain a regular place of work in Nebraska
- Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud or dishonesty in the past five years
If you’re eligible, follow the steps below to apply.
Step 1: Take the Nebraska notary exam
All notaries must pass the Nebraska notary exam. Prepare by studying the following materials:
When you feel ready, take the exam. If you fail, you can retake the exam up to three times. Once you achieve a passing score of 85% your score will be valid for 90 days.
Step 2: Purchase a $15,000 notary bond
The Nebraska SOS requires notary public applicants to purchase a $15,000 surety bond. Get your Nebraska notary bond plus $5,000 of errors and omissions (E&O) coverage instantly online for just $40!
Step 3: Submit your Nebraska notary public application
Next, login or create an account on the Nebraska SOS notary filing site. You’ll need to upload the following items:
- Exam certificate
- Bond form
- $30 filing fee
- Proof of employment in Nebraska (non-residents only)
Step 4: Download your commission certificate
If approved, you will receive an email confirming your commission. Log into your notary portal to download your new commission certificate.
Step 5: Purchase notary supplies
Finally, it’s your responsibility to buy your notary stamp. Nebraska requires the use of an ink stamp seal engraved with these details:
- The words “State of Nebraska”
- The words “General Notary” or “General Notarial”
- Your commissioned name
- The expiration date of your commission
The SOS also highly recommends that notaries buy a journal to keep track of records.
How to Renew Your Notary Public License
A Nebraska notary public term lasts four years. The license renewal process is the same as for a new applicant:
- Purchase a new $15,000 notary bond
- Complete a renewal application
- Download your commission certificate
- Make any necessary updates to your seal
Renewal applicants must submit their application before the current commission expires.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Notary Public License
The following costs are associated with a Nebraska notary application:
- Testing/Application Fee: $30
- Surety Bond & E&O: $35–$85
- Notary Supplies: $10–$40
Your cost to become a licensed notary in Utah will likely total $75–$145. Exact pricing will vary depending on the bond and supply vendors you choose. The ranges above are estimates.
How to Become a Nebraska Online Notary
The Nebraska SOS has two different classifications of online notaries.
- Remote online notary (RON): Performs digital notarizations without the principal present
- In-person electronic notary (IPEN): Performs notarial acts digitally with the principal present
Commissioned notaries can add their certification at any time or with the initial application. You just need to complete the following steps:
- Pass either the RON exam or IPEN exam
- Complete the online application
- Pay the $50 application fee
- Download your approval letter
- Buy your electronic notary supplies
If you need more specific instructions and details, the Nebraska SOS notary public page can assist you.
More Resources
Last Updated: July 12, 2024
