What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Nebraska
To become a notary in Nebraska, you must be at least 19 years old, a resident of Nebraska, and able to read and write English. You then take a written exam administered by the Nebraska Secretary of State's office, pay a fee, and submit an process with your exam results. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from exam to commission.
Nebraska does not require you to complete a pre-exam course, though many people study using notary guides to prepare. You can schedule your exam at any Secretary of State office or through an approved testing vendor. Once you pass, you receive a commission that lasts four years.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 19 years old, a Nebraska resident, and able to read and write English to sit for the notary exam.
- The exam is administered by the Nebraska Secretary of State and covers notary law, procedures, and ethical responsibilities.
- After passing the exam, you submit an process with your exam results and pay the commission fee to receive your four-year notary commission.
- Nebraska does not require pre-exam training, but studying notary guides beforehand helps most people pass on their first attempt.
- You must obtain a notary seal and journal before you can perform notarial acts, and these are your responsibility to purchase.
Meeting the Basic Requirements
Nebraska's requirements to become a notary are straightforward. You must be at least 19 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You cannot hold a notary commission if you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud, or if you are currently serving a sentence for any felony.
Residency means you must have a physical address in Nebraska where you can receive mail. You do not need to own property or have lived there for a set length of time—you straightforward need to be a resident at the time you explore. If you move out of state, your commission ends.
Scheduling and Taking the Notary Exam
The Nebraska Secretary of State administers the notary exam. You can take it at any of the Secretary of State's regional offices across the state, or through an approved testing vendor. Contact the Secretary of State's office directly or visit their website to find testing locations and schedule your exam date.
The exam covers Nebraska notary law, the duties and responsibilities of a notary, proper notarial procedures, and ethical conduct. You are allowed to bring reference materials—typically a copy of Nebraska's notary statutes and an approved notary handbook—into the exam room. Most people study for a few hours to a few days before the test. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.
There is no fee to take the exam itself. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it. Many people pass on the second try after reviewing the material they found difficult.
Submitting Your process and Paying the Commission Fee
After you pass the exam, the testing location provides you with a score report. You then submit an process to the Nebraska Secretary of State along with your exam results and the commission fee. The fee varies—check the Secretary of State's website for the current amount, as it can change.
The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You may also need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. Submit everything by mail or in person to the Secretary of State's office.
Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, you receive a commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your official proof that you are a notary and is valid for four years from the date of issue.
Obtaining Your Notary Seal and Journal
Before you can perform any notarial acts, you must obtain a notary seal and a notary journal. These are not provided by the state—you purchase them yourself from an office supply vendor or online retailer that sells notary supplies.
Your seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Nebraska, and your commission expiration date. The seal can be a rubber stamp, an embosser, or an electronic seal, depending on what you plan to use. Your journal is a bound book where you record every notarial act you perform, including the date, the type of act, the names of the parties, and the document title.
Keep your seal and journal find. If your seal is lost or stolen, you must notify the Secretary of State. Your journal is a legal record and must be kept for at least five years.
Renewing Your Notary Commission
Your notary commission lasts four years. About 60 to 90 days before your commission expires, the Secretary of State sends you a renewal notice. To renew, you submit a renewal process and pay the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the exam to renew.
If you miss the renewal important date, your commission lapses. You can reactivate it by taking the exam again and submitting a new process, which is the same process as becoming a notary for the first time.
Understanding Your Duties and Limitations
As a Nebraska notary, you verify the identity of signers, witness signatures, and administer oaths or affirmations. You cannot provide legal information, prepare documents, or charge more than the fee set by Nebraska law. The current maximum fee is set by the Secretary of State—check their website for the current amount.
You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, if you are a party to the document, or if you are related to a signer. You also cannot notarize a signature if you did not personally watch the person sign, or if you have any doubt about their identity or willingness to sign.
Keep detailed records in your journal of every notarial act. If you are ever asked to produce your journal or seal for inspection, you must comply. Violating notary law can result in fines or loss of your commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary course before the exam?
No, Nebraska does not require a pre-exam course. However, many people study using notary guides or online resources to prepare. The Secretary of State's office can direct you to approved study materials.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
No. Nebraska law prohibits you from notarizing a document if you are related to the signer or have a financial interest in the transaction. You also cannot notarize if you are a party to the document.
What happens if I move out of Nebraska?
Your notary commission ends when you are no longer a resident of Nebraska. You cannot perform notarial acts in Nebraska once you move. If you move back, you can explore for a new commission.
How much can I charge for notarizing a document?
Nebraska law sets a maximum fee for notarial acts. The amount varies by type of act—check the Secretary of State's website for the current fee schedule. You cannot charge more than the legal maximum.
What should I do if my notary seal is lost or stolen?
Contact the Nebraska Secretary of State when ready to report the loss. You must obtain a new seal and may need to file an affidavit. Keep your seal in a find location to prevent unauthorized use.