Nebraska Frequently Asked Questions
The following are the most common questions asked by our Nebraska customers. However, if your question is not listed below, feel free to contact us to receive an answer to your question.
What is the purpose of a notary public?
A notary public is a person of integrity who is appointed and commissioned by the Secretary of State to act as an impartial witness to the signing of important transactions and perform notarial acts. A notary's primary purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery by requiring the personal presence of the signer and satisfactorily identifying the signer.
Are notaries licensed like other professionals?
No. Notaries are public officers and are appointed and commissioned by the Secretary of State.
What is a notary bond?
A notary bond is a type of surety bond issued by an approved surety company to protect the public from any wrongdoing by a notary. The surety company guarantees to the public that the notary will follow the law when performing their duties. If the notary does not, the company will cover any damages caused by incorrect notarization, up to the bond amount.
What amount of bond is required to become a notary in Nebraska?
The State of Nebraska requires all notaries to purchase and maintain a $15,000 throughout their 4-year term. In addition to the notary bond, it is also required that a Nebraska notary obtain a state-approved notary seal and pay a $30 state filing fee.
Do I have any liability as a notary?
Yes. The public counts on notaries to perform their duties properly. By making an error on a notarization, you could cause someone to lose their property or be responsible for a multi-million dollar transaction being voided. As a result, a court could find you liable for the loss and enter a judgment against you. Most bond companies demand repayment if they pay a claim against you. In addition, whatever your bond does not pay, you would be liable for.
How do I limit my liability?
Know and follow Nebraska’s notary laws, take responsibility for your own notary education, stay informed about law changes, never make any exceptions for anyone, use reasonable care and common sense in performing your duties, carry errors & omissions insurance and keep a record book.
Am I required to keep a record of my notarial acts
No. Nebraska law does not require notaries to keep a record book. However, the Secretary of State's Office recommends notaries keep a record of all official notarial acts in a journal or record book. Although not required, you should record at least the following information: the date of the notarial act, the type of act performed, the type of document, the name, address, and signature of each person whose signature was notarized, and any special notes or comments about the notarization. Our Nebraska notary public record book complies with the suggestions of the Secretary of State's Office for record keeping. Be sure to include this item on your order form with your application; contact us to order by telephone at (800) 826-1744 or order online through our supplies section.
Why should I keep a record book?
Record books are an inexpensive way to keep a record of every notarization you perform. There are several advantages, including:
--A record book can serve as a reminder of the steps of notarization.
--A record book may protect you against a claim of negligence or impropriety.
--A record book may help prove you notarized a document when there is a question about your signature or when the notarial certificate is destroyed or marred in some way.
--A record book can refresh your memory about a notarization you do not recall.
--A record book is reliable as evidence in court if you have to testify about a notarization.
--A record book not only protects you, but may also protect your customer and your employer.
What is the age requirement to become a notary in Nebraska?
You must be at least 19 years of age to become a Notary Public in the State of Nebraska.
Can I be a Nebraska notary if I have a criminal record?
You must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving fraud or dishonesty.
How do I become a notary in Nebraska?
Notary Public Underwriters makes applying to become a Nebraska notary public very easy! Simply go to our Become a Notary page and select your notary package to begin. Complete the online application, customize your notary package, and check out.
Your notary bond and instructions for completing the application process with the Secretary of State's office will be immediately available for download. Once approved, send us a copy of your commission certificate so we can ship your order within three (3) business days. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at 800.826.1744.
When should I renew my Nebraska notary commission?
We suggest that you renew your Nebraska notary commission at least 30 days prior to your expiration date. This would allow ample time for processing.
If you have any questions about the process to renew your notary commission, please contact our friendly Customer Care team at 1.800.826.1744.
How do I renew my Nebraska notary commission?
Visit our Renew Your Nebraska Notary Public Commission page to use our quick and easy online application process! You will be able to select the notary seal that best fits your needs. We offer customizable renewal packages and a variety of products.
Complete the online application, customize your notary package, and check out. Your notary bond and instructions for finishing the application process with the Secretary of State's office will be available for immediate download. Once approved by the Secretary of State, send us a copy of your commission certificate, and we will ship your order within three business days. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800.826.1744.
*** Important : Nebraska renewal applications must be received in the Secretary of State's office prior to your commission expiration date. If your application is received after your expiration date, you will be required to apply as a new applicant. ***
How do I pay for my order?
Notary Public Underwriters accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. We also accept check and money orders by mail.
When can I expect to receive my order?
Typically your order should arrive within 5 to 7 business days after we receive notification of your commission. However, please allow up to 12 business days for any potential carrier delays.
What do I do if my order has not shown up on time?
Please contact Notary Public Underwriters of Nebraska, Inc.
May I cancel or change my order?
This will depend on how far along your order is in the process. We aim to process orders quickly, so if your order is marked as “shipped” on your account page it is too late to edit or cancel. If you think you have made a mistake with your order, please contact customer service. We will see if there is something we can do to help.
Can I get a refund?
Please contact customer service if you are not happy with your order. Once we know what the problem is, we will let you know how we can help.
Will you share my contact information with others?
Absolutely not. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Do you keep my information?
We do save some of your information, such as your name, email, address and order number. We do NOT store your payment details. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
What type of notary seal is required?
The official seal for Nebraska notaries is the rubber stamp. The stamp must contain four elements:
- State of Nebraska
- General Notary or General Notarial
- Your commission name
- The expiration date of your commission.
May I use a metal embosser seal?
No. The official seal is a rubber stamp.
May I use the Great Seal of Nebraska on my stamp?
No. Notaries are prohibited from using the state seal.
What do I do if my seal is lost or stolen?
If your seal is lost, stolen or in the possession of another person, you must notify the Secretary of State immediately. Send or deliver a written letter to the Secretary of State regarding the lost or stolen seal, including the last time you used or had your notary seal in your possession.
What must I do if I change my address?
You must notify the Secretary of State's Office within 45 days of any change in your address by completing and submitting the Notary Public Request to Change Record form. You may request this form from the Secretary of State's Office by contacting them at 402.471.2558 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Don't forget to notify Notary Public Underwriters, so we can stay in touch with you.
What does it mean to "notarize a signature"?
The main duties of Nebraska notaries are to administer oaths and affirmations, and take acknowledgments. Notaries may also make attested photocopies of certain documents, and take proof of execution.
How do I administer an oath for a document?
Assuming the document is ready for notarization and the signer has been satisfactorily identified and is willing to sign the document, you administer the oath by asking a simple question, “Do you solemnly swear the information contained in this document is the truth, so help you God?” For an oath, you must witness the person signing the document.
What do I do if a signer objects due to religion?
A legal alternative to an oath is an affirmation. Ask the question: “Do you solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury the information contained in this document is the truth?”
How do I take an acknowledgment?
Assuming the document is ready for notarization and the signer has been satisfactorily identified and is willing to sign the document, you take the signer’s acknowledgement by asking a simple question: “Do you acknowledge and declare this is your signature, you understand this document, and you willingly signed the document for the purposes stated herein?”
What are the steps for performing a notarization?
Follow these general steps for every notarization you perform:
1. Require the personal appearance of the document signer. Never make an exception!
2. Examine the document to ensure it is complete and contains a properly formatted notarial certificate.
3. Identify the signer, either through your personal acquaintance of the individual or some type of satisfactory evidence, such as a valid driver’s license, passport or another form of acceptable identification listed in the notary law.
4. Enter the transaction into your record book. Although the law does not require it, the Governor’s Office recommends you keep an official record of all your notarial acts.
5. Perform the notarization ceremony. You must communicate verbally with the signer to perform the notarial act. The person usually signs the document at this point.
6. Complete the notarial certificate. Make sure the information is correct and complete. Do not forget to sign and seal the certificate.
What is the venue?
"State of Nebraska, County of ________"
This notation is called the venue. It is the location of the notarization - not the county where you live or work.
May I notarize the signature of a blind person?
Yes. But only if you first read the document to the person and you feel sure about the person’s understanding and willingness to sign.
May I notarize my own signature?
No, a notary may not notarize their own signature. Notarizing your own signature violates the requirement for impartiality.
Can I perform a notarization for a family member?
No. Nebraska notary law states that a notary can not notarize a document for their parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, spouse or siblings. This restriction also applies to in-laws, step-relatives, and half relatives.
NPU recommends that notaries should NOT notarize for any relative. Doing so would compromise your role as an impartial witness and may jeopardize the validity of an important transaction.
May I perform a notarization when I am a party?
No. If you are a party to the transaction or if you have a financial interest in the transaction other than receiving fees for performing a notarization, you may NOT be the notary for this transaction. You would not be impartial, and the transaction could be deemed unlawful or unenforceable.
May I assist a client with legal documents?
No, not unless you are an attorney licensed to practice law in Nebraska. Furthermore, you may not explain the contents of a document or give any advice about the document. If you do, you may be found guilty of the unauthorized practice of law.
May I help a friend fill out immigration papers?
No. Only attorneys or qualified immigration specialists may perform these duties.
How do I file a claim against a notary's bond?
A bond is required by the State to be available in order to compensate any individual harmed as a result of a breach of duty by the notary. Individuals harmed can file a claim against the notary's bond for financial damage.
Claims may occur due to signatures which are forged, incomplete or otherwise defective in real estate transactions, motor vehicle transfers and cases where the validity or date of a document may be an issue.
In order to file a claim against a notary bonded through our company you will need to submit the following:
- Copy of improperly notarized document
- Proof of error or fraud by notary
- Letter stating the amount of financial damage or loss caused by the notarization
Please send the above information to:
Claims Department
Notary Public Underwriters
P.O. Box 7457
Tallahassee, FL 32314-7457
Or fax to:
877-856-1663
Attn: Claims Department
For all questions regarding the status of your filed claim, please contact CNA Surety at 800.331.6053.
Who do I contact to check on the status of a claim?
For all questions regarding the status of your filed claim, please contact CNA Surety at 800.331.6053.
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