How to Become a Notary in Nebraska

Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey towards a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Nebraska, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.

Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.

Become a Notary in Nebraska

In order to become a notary in Nebraska, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a notary commission in Nebraska, applicants must satisfy the following basic requirements:

• Be at least 19 years old
• Reside in Nebraska or a state bordering it with evidence of workplace in Nebraska
• Be able to read and write English
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving fraud or dishonesty in the five years preceding application

Step 2: Complete the Initial Application for Notary Commission

If you meet Nebraska’s basic requirements, the next step is to complete the Initial Application for Notary Commission.

The notarial oath section of the application form must be signed in the presence of a notary, who will also fill out the state and county information, date the document, and then sign and stamp their seal.

If you are not a resident of Nebraska, you will also have to complete an Evidence on Employment in Nebraska Form.

For any questions regarding the application, you can contact the Nebraska Notary Department by emailing sos.notary@nebraska.gov or calling (402) 471-2558.

Step 3: Purchase Your $15,000 Surety Bond

After filling out your application form, you will need to buy a surety bond valued at $15,000 and fill out the General Notary Public Bond Form.

Make sure your surety bond is issued by a full-service insurance or bonding agency.

Note: If any changes are made to the bond after you obtained it, you will need to make sure that you fill out a Bond Rider Form and specify what alterations were made.

Step 4: Submit your Application

With all of the above sorted, you’ll be ready to submit your application and the following forms to the Nebraska Notary Division:

• A completed application
• U.S. Citizenship Attestation Form
• General Notary Public Bond Form
• Application fee of $30 made payable to the Nebraska Secretary of State

Submit the documents above to the Secretary of State’s Office at the following address:

Notary Division,
P.O. Box 95104
Lincoln, NE 68509-5104

Step 5: Purchase a Course (Optional)

Even though this step is not a legal requirement, you should note that several Nebraska notary applicants choose to invest in a notary course. This is because it can offer several benefits, such as:

• Understanding the Law: Notary laws can be complex and vary from state to state. A course can help ensure that notaries fully understand Nebraska notary laws and how to apply them correctly
• Professional Development: A course can enhance professional skills, making a notary more effective and competent in their role
• Reducing Liability: By better understanding the rules and best practices, notaries can reduce the risk of making errors that could result in legal action
• Increased Confidence: A notary course can boost a notary’s confidence by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to draw from
• Staying Updated: Laws and procedures change over time. A course can help notaries stay current with any changes in notary regulations and practices

So, while it’s not mandatory in Nebraska, many aspiring notaries find such courses to be invaluable in preparing them for the notary public exam. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.

Step 6: Buy your Official Notary Seal

The final step in the process of becoming a Nebraska notary public is to purchase your official notary seal. In order to do this, you’ll need to take your Notary Public Commission Certificate to an ink stamp vendor.

In Nebraska, a notary’s ink stamp seal must be engraved with the following: 

• State of Nebraska
• General Notary or General Notarial
• Your name as commissioned
• The notary commission expiration date

Step 7: Complete the Notary Public Exam

In order to qualify in Nebraska, each notary applicant needs to pass the Notary Public Exam, which the State offers on the ClassMarker online portal.

Once the State or Notary Division has received your application and the required accompanying documents, you will be emailed a link to take this test online.

To make sure you’re prepared for this examination, be sure to review the Nebraska Notary Statutes and FAQs on the Secretary of State’s website.

When you pass the exam, you’ll receive your digital passing examination certificate via email. Submit this proof of your passing score to the Notary Division in order to receive your online Notary Commission Certificate.

Note: If you fail your test, you will be emailed information on how to continue instead.

Step 8: Buy your Official Notary Seal

The final step in the process of becoming a Nebraska notary public is to purchase your official notary stamp or seal. In order to do this, you’ll need to take your Notary Public Commission Certificate to an ink stamp vendor.

In Nebraska, a notary’s ink stamp seal must be engraved with the following: 

• State of Nebraska
• General Notary or General Notarial
• Your name as commissioned
• The notary commission expiration date

Step 9: Protect Yourself with Errors and Omissions Insurance

While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notary services. It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.