Starting July 1, 2020, Nebraska Notaries can register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). If you want to become a remote online Notary in NE, follow the steps below.
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Complete the state-required RON training.
- Take the Online Notary Public Exam.
- Contract with a RON technology provider and get your digital supplies.
- Complete the Online Notary Registration Form and submit it to the Secretary of State along with your Online Notary Public Exam.
- Pay the $100 registration fee.
- Receive an email from the SOS with your online Notary commission certificate.
In This Guide: Nebraska RON Requirements | About RON in Nebraska | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in Nebraska
Before you apply to become a remote Notary, you must first meet the state's requirement of holding an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public in the Cornhusker State. Notaries must be at least 19 years old, be a resident of Nebraska or a resident of a state bordering Nebraska who can present evidence of a Nebraska workplace, be a resident or have a place of employment or practice in Nebraska, and be able to read and write English.
You must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving fraud or dishonesty within the previous five years prior to application.
Is training required to become a remote Notary?
Yes, training is required to become a remote Notary in Nebraska. This course will focus on Notary laws, remote Notary procedures and the ethics of performing online notarial acts.
Is an exam required for online Notaries in Nebraska?
Yes, all remote Notary applicants must complete the Online Notary Public Exam and send it in with their application. You need to have at least 17 out of 20 questions correct to pass. The exam is open-book and answers can be found on the Notary Public section of the SOS website.
What technology and supplies do I need to perform remote online notarizations?
All remote Notaries must have a computer, webcam, microphone and secure access to the internet. Your computer must be able to support a live two-way audio-video transmission feed. You'll also need to sign up with a RON technology provider approved by the Secretary of State. Their list of approved vendors includes BlueNotary, Cyberize It, Digital Delivery, Inc., DocVerify, Pavaso and Notarize.
In addition, you'll need to get your electronic seal, electronic journal and digital certificate containing your electronic signature. Make sure these are compatible with the RON provider you intend to use.
Do I need a second surety bond?
No, you do not need another surety bond. Notaries in Nebraska are required to get a $15,000 surety bond for their traditional commissions that you must maintain for the duration of your term.
Is an E&O insurance policy required in Nebraska?
While an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not required, it's strongly recommended you get one just in case. Mistakes can happen, and an E&O policy can cover any legal fees and damages up to the amount in the policy should a situation arise.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Nebraska
Remote online notarizations in Nebraska transform paper, in-person notarizations into a completely digital, remote environment. Learn more about RONs below.
Is remote notarization allowed in Nebraska?
Yes, Legislative Bill 186 was signed into law and took effect on July 1, 2020. The new law allows Notaries to register for their remote online Notary commission, making Nebraska the 22nd state to enact remote online notarization provisions.
How do remote notarizations work?
Remote notarizations involve digital documents and signatures and are conducted remotely using two-way audio-visual technology. The Notary verifies the signer’s identity by 1) personal knowledge, 2) remote presentation of a government-issued ID, credential analysis of the ID and identity proofing of the signer, or 3) oath or affirmation of a credible witness who is in the physical presence of either the Notary or signer. If the credible witness has personal knowledge of the signer, the credible witness must either be personally known to the Notary or the Notary has verified the identity of the witness.
If the Notary or signer leaves the platform or the audio or visual feed is interrupted or terminated, the signer is required to restart the notarial act from the beginning.
The Notary will then ask the signer if they understand the implications of the document and are willing to sign it. The signer then applies their electronic signature to the document, and the Notary proceeds with the rest of the notarization. This involves checking the document, filling out the notarial certificate, applying an electronic seal and attaching a digital certificate.
After the transaction, the Notary saves a journal entry, a backup of the journal entry and an audio-video recording of the notarization.
What types of notarial acts can be performed online?
Nebraska allows the following notarial acts to be performed online:
- Taking acknowledgments
- Performing jurats
- Taking verifications or proofs
- Administering oaths and affirmations
How long does a remote notarization take vs. traditional notarization?
A remote notarization takes significantly less time than a traditional notarization. This is largely due to travel no longer being a requirement. Since remote notarizations allow the Notary and signer to personally appear via communication technology, remote notarizations can take you a few minutes to complete.
What's the difference between electronic notarizations and online notarizations?
Electronic notarizations and online notarizations both involve digital documents and signatures. However, electronic notarizations require the Notary and signer to physically appear before each other. This is in contrast to online notarizations where the Notary and signer personally appear before each other over a live two-way audio-video feed.
Additional RON FAQs
Have more questions regarding RONs? Read on for your answers.
How much does it cost to register as an online Notary?
The cost of becoming a remote online Notary in Nebraska can range from $100 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the companies you choose to work with plus other factors.
For instance, you'll need to consider the cost of the state-required RON training and any sign-up fees associated with joining a RON platform. Digital supplies like your electronic seal and digital certificate as well as maintenance fees for your surety bond and recommended E&O policy will also add to your costs.
If you don't already have a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access, then these will also be included in your initial expenses. Remember to add in the $50 registration fee as well.
How much can virtual Notaries charge in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, remote online Notaries may charge up to $25 per online notarization, plus any fee authorized under RSN 33-133. For example, if you are taking an acknowledgment over RON, you can charge a total of $30 ($25 for the online notarization and $5 for the acknowledgment itself).
How long does it take to become an online Notary?
It can take 2 to 3 weeks to register as a remote online Notary with the first 2 weeks spent on getting your traditional Notary Public commission. Once you receive your traditional commission, you'll spend 1 day taking the state-required RON training and exam, 1 day choosing a RON technology provider and getting your digital supplies, and 1 day submitting your application along with your registration fee.
How long will my remote Notary commission last?
Your term of registration as an online Notary will run concurrently with your traditional commission. You can renew both your traditional commission and remote registration at the same time.
Will RON services grow my NE Notary business?
Yes, getting your remote online Notary registration and joining a RON platform is a great way to grow your business. As a remote Notary, your customers can include signers within the state or even outside the U.S.
To further your business, you might want to get your Notary Signing Agent (NSA) certification. An NSA certification shows RON providers you've passed a current background screening, which can make you eligible to receive more assignments. Note: Nebraska limits the fees Notaries may charge (to the statutory maximum fees for notarial acts only). No ancillary fees, such as a courier fee, may be charged.
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Last updated: June 21, 2023