Applicants can become a Notary Public in Nebraska by completing the following steps:
- Meet all of your state's qualifications.
- Request a written take-home test from the Secretary of State.
- Take and pass the exam.
- Buy a $15,000 surety bond.
- Complete the Initial Application for Notary Commission and get it notarized.
- Submit your application, exam certificate, surety bond, $30 fee and U.S. Citizenship Attestation Form to the Secretary of State.
- Receive your Notary commission certificate by mail.
- Buy your Notary seal stamp.
About the Nebraska Notary Process
The term of a Nebraska Notary commission is four years. Here, we cover the cost and commission processing time for a Notary Public commission in Nebraska.
Cost to Become an NE Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Nebraska is approximately $102, depending on where you purchase your surety bond and Notary seal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Commission fee |
$30 |
| $15,000 surety bond |
$40 |
| Notarization fee |
$2 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$102 |
Commission Processing Length
The Secretary of State's office estimates approximately 10-14 days to process a Notary commission application.
Nebraska Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you qualify for a Notary commission in the Cornhusker State? Read on below.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Nebraska must meet the following requirements:
- 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 able to read and write English
- Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving fraud or dishonesty within the previous five years prior to application
Exam
Take and pass the Notary Public Examination on the duties and obligations of a Notary. A score of 85% or higher is required to pass.
You will receive a letter with your exam results, which you must submit with your application.
If you don’t pass, you may retake it after 30 days. Submit a new application and pay the fee.
Surety Bond
Nebraska Notaries are required to purchase a $15,000 surety bond to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.
Notaries can insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the policy amount.
Application
Complete the Initial Application for Notary Commission. Bring it to a Nebraska Notary to have it notarized.
Submit your application, exam certificate, surety bond, $30 commission fee and U.S. Citizenship Attestation Form to the Notary Division of the Secretary of State's office in Lincoln, NE.
Once your application is processed, the Secretary of State will issue your Notary commission certificate by mail.
Notary Supplies
Take your commission certificate to a vendor to order your Notary seal stamp. The seal must contain the following information:
- The words "State of Nebraska"
- The words "General Notary" or "General Notarial"
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your commission expiration date
While not required by law, the state recommends Notaries maintain a record of all notarial acts in a journal.
Nebraska Notary Public FAQs
We answer the most common questions about Nebraska Notaries below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Nebraska Office of the Secretary of State, Business Services Division, Notary Section, located in Lincoln, NE, issues Notary Public commissions.
May I become a Nebraska Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Nebraska Notary Public. You must, however, meet all other application requirements.
Can I become a Nebraska Notary if I don't live in the state?
Out-of-state applicants may become a Notary in Nebraska given they follow the steps to become a Notary and submit an Evidence of Employment in Nebraska Form.
What kind of training will I need?
A training course is not required to apply for a Nebraska Notary commission.
The NNA offers new Nebraska Notaries self-paced courses online that can jumpstart your Notary knowledge. Browse our catalogue of Notary training classes.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Nebraska Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You may not notarize a document signed by you, your parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, step relatives or half relatives.
You're prohibited from notarizing a document in which you have a financial or beneficial interest other than receipt of the ordinary notarial fee or are named as a party to the transaction.
What fees can Nebraska Notaries charge per notarization?
Nebraska Notaries may charge from $1 to $5 per notarization, depending on the act. An additional fee for travel may be charged, but it must be based on the rate established by the Department of Administrative Services.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
A change to your address must be reported to the Secretary of State. Complete the Notary Public - Change of Public Record form within 45 days of moving.
A change to your name does not require any action, but you may notify the Secretary by completing the Notary Public - Change of Public Record form.
If you change your name within 30 days of your commission expiration date, you may use your old name until the end of your term. When it comes to your renewal application, use your new name. The fee to change your name on a commission is $30.
What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?
The process to renew your Nebraska Notary Public commission involves submitting a renewal application, renewing your $15,000 surety bond, paying the $30 renewal fee, and submitting your U.S. Citizenship Attestation Form.
Complete these steps within 30 days prior to your commission expiration date.
Non-residents also need to submit an Evidence of Employment in Nebraska form. Once your renewal is approved and your new commission certificate is issued, present your certificate to a Notary stamp vendor to purchase a new seal.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Nebraska?
Nebraska is the 22nd state to enact remote online notarizations. As of July 1, 2020, Notaries with an active traditional commission can register to become remote Notaries. This guide outlines the registration process step-by-step.
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Last updated: Sep 9, 2025