How to become a notary in Nebraska
Notaries in Nebraska are commissioned by the Nebraska Secretary of State, Business Services Division (Notary). Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Nebraska?
- At least 19 years old
- U.S. citizen or qualified alien
- Nebraska resident, or resident of a bordering state with a regular place of work or business in Nebraska
- No felony, and no crime involving fraud or dishonesty, in the previous five years
What are the Nebraska notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Nebraska Secretary of State, Business Services Division (Notary) |
|---|---|
| Training required | No. No course is required; applicants study the notary statutes, rules and FAQs to prepare for the exam. |
| Exam required | Yes. 20-question online exam from the Secretary of State (via ClassMarker); 85% to pass, three attempts allowed; a passing score is valid for 90 days. Failing three times ends eligibility. |
| Surety bond | $15,000 |
| Application fee | $30 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes; a commissioned Nebraska notary can separately register with the Secretary of State as an Online Notary Public to notarize for principals who are not physically present. |
Steps to become a notary in Nebraska
- Take and pass the Nebraska Notary Exam and save the certificate as a PDF
- Buy a $15,000 notary surety bond using your home address
- Sign the oath of office on the bond in front of another notary
- Create an account on the Secretary of State business portal and file the initial commission application, uploading the exam certificate and bond
- Pay the $30 filing fee online
- After the approval email, download your commission certificate and order an ink stamp
Apply on the official Nebraska site
How do you find a notary in Nebraska?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Nebraska notary lookup.