How to Become a Notary in Nebraska (2026 Guide)
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Key Takeaways
- Exam required: must score 85% or higher
- $15,000 surety bond required (premium ~$40)
- Application fee: $30 | Commission term: 4 years
- Notary stamp required
- No journal required but recommended
- RON available with separate application
- Must be 18+ and a NE resident (or employed in NE)
Becoming a Nebraska notary means buying a $15,000 surety bond (about a $40 premium), passing a 20-question online exam with an 85% score, and mailing the application, bond, citizenship attestation, and $30 fee to the Secretary of State. No training course, no journal mandate, and the commission runs four years. Budget $95 to $145 all in.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Nebraska, or a non-resident employed in Nebraska
Disqualifying Factors
Nebraska evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis. Criminal history and providing false information on your application can disqualify you.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Purchase Your $15,000 Surety Bond
Nebraska requires a $15,000 surety bond. The premium costs about $40.
Step 2: Pass the Notary Exam
The exam runs online through ClassMarker: 20 questions, up to three attempts, and an 85% score passes. Your passing certificate stays valid for 90 days, so schedule the exam close to when your application paperwork is ready.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Mail your application to the Nebraska Secretary of State with your bond, US Citizenship Attestation Form, and $30 fee. If you’re a non-resident, include the Evidence of Employment form.
Step 4: Purchase Your Notary Seal
Nebraska requires a notary stamp. Order one after approval.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $30 |
| $15,000 surety bond premium | ~$40 |
| Notary stamp (required) | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $95-$145 |
Maximum Allowable Fees
Nebraska sets the following fee caps: $5 per acknowledgment, $2 per jurat, $2 per verbal oath. RON notarizations are capped at $25 plus the regular notary fee. Travel fees may be charged on a mileage basis.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications
- Witness signatures
- Certify copies
- Protest negotiable instruments
Notary Stamp Requirements
Nebraska requires a notary stamp. All notarized documents must bear your official seal.
Notarizing for Family Members
Nebraska does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Penalties for Misconduct
Performing notarial acts without a valid commission carries legal consequences, and the state treats notary competence seriously, the 85% exam bar is the evidence. The Secretary of State can refuse or revoke commissions for cause.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Not required, but recommended to protect against liability from errors or negligence. Your bond protects the public; E&O is the coverage that protects you.
Renewal
Nebraska commissions run 4 years, with no grace period after expiration. Renewal follows the same application track through the Secretary of State; check the SOS renewal form for the current exam requirement when your term ends.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Nebraska allows RON. Active notaries can register to become remote online notaries with additional requirements, including maintaining a journal for RON transactions.
Becoming a Signing Agent
After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program and register with signing service companies. Start with our guide to becoming a signing agent.
Your Commission Belongs to You
A Nebraska commission is personal. If you leave a job, your stamp and commission go with you, and no employer can require you to skip proper procedure; an employer who pressures you into misconduct can share the liability.
How Nebraska Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Nebraska | Iowa | South Dakota | Kansas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | $15,000 | None | None | $12,000 |
| Exam | Yes (85%) | No | No | No |
| Training | No | No | No | No |
| Term | 4 years | 3 years | 6 years | 4 years |
| Max Fee | $5 | None | None | None |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Nebraska has the strictest exam requirement in the region (85% pass) and the highest bond ($15,000). Iowa, South Dakota, and Kansas set no maximum notary fee at all. South Dakota eliminated its bond in 2025 (HB1133). Guides: Iowa and South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Nebraska?
Yes. The exam is given online through ClassMarker: 20 questions, up to three attempts, and 85% passes. A passing certificate is valid for 90 days, so time your exam close to your application.
Do I need a surety bond in Nebraska?
Yes, a $15,000 surety bond filed with the Secretary of State. The premium runs about $40.
How long does a Nebraska notary commission last?
4 years, with no grace period after expiration.
Is a notary stamp required in Nebraska?
Yes. Every notarized document must bear your official seal.
How much can a Nebraska notary charge?
$5 per acknowledgment, $2 per jurat, and $2 per verbal oath. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25 plus the regular fee, and travel fees are charged per mile.
Can Nebraska notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Active notaries register as remote online notaries, which adds requirements including an electronic journal for RON transactions.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the Nebraska Secretary of State and Neb. Rev. Stat. Chapter 64.
