Nebraska Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Nebraska?

Yes. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 64-102 provides that a general commission does not authorize the holder to act as a notary public until a bond in the sum of $15,000, with an incorporated surety company as surety, has been executed, approved, and filed in the office of the Secretary of State. The bond is conditioned on the faithful performance of the notary’s duties, and the applicant’s oath or affirmation is endorsed on the bond itself.

The Secretary of State’s official bond form confirms the $15,000 penal sum and states that the appointment runs “for a term of four years from effective date of commission.” The bond protects members of the public who are harmed by a notary’s misconduct; if a claim is paid, the notary can be required to reimburse the surety.

How to become a notary in Nebraska

The Secretary of State’s guidance sets out the steps for an initial commission:

1. Meet the qualifications: be at least 19 years old; be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien; be a Nebraska resident (or reside in a bordering state with a regular place of work or business in Nebraska); and not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of fraud or dishonesty within the previous five years.
2. Take and pass the Nebraska notary exam — 20 questions, minimum 85%, with up to three attempts; the passing certificate is valid for 90 days.
3. Obtain a $15,000 surety bond, signing it as principal and having it notarized as directed on the form.
4. File your application online with the Secretary of State, uploading your exam certificate and bond and paying the $30 filing fee.
5. Receive your commission and obtain your official seal.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Nebraska

The $15,000 bond is required and protects the public, not the notary. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is a separate, optional product that pays the notary’s own legal defense and settlement costs — including any amount the surety seeks to recover after paying a bond claim. Nebraska does not mandate E&O, so carrying it is a personal risk-management choice.

Renewing your Nebraska commission

A Nebraska commission is valid for four years. Under § 64-104, a general commission may be renewed within 30 days before its expiration by filing a renewal application, paying the statutory fee, and filing a new bond with the Secretary of State in the same manner and form as the original. A renewal application filed after the commission has expired must be made the same way as a new application.

Remote online notarization in Nebraska

Nebraska authorizes electronic and remote online notarization. A commissioned notary registers as an electronic/online notary through the state’s licensing portal and follows the Secretary of State’s technology requirements before performing remote online notarial acts. This registration is in addition to holding an active traditional commission and the required bond.

Non-resident notaries in Nebraska

Nebraska law allows the Secretary of State to appoint a person who resides in a state bordering Nebraska if that person is employed in or has a regular place of work or business in Nebraska and provides evidence of a physical Nebraska location. Bordering-state applicants should confirm the required documentation with the Secretary of State before applying.