Nebraska Notary Public BondInstant Approval • No Credit Check

Nebraska requires all notaries public to obtain a $15,000 surety bond for a 4-year commission term—one of the highest bond requirements in the United States. This substantial bond amount reflects Nebraska's commitment to robust consumer protection, ensuring adequate financial recourse for individuals harmed by notarial errors, negligence, or misconduct. Given the Cornhusker State's significant agricultural economy, concentration of major financial institutions, and high-value business transactions, this elevated protection standard makes practical sense.

To become a Nebraska notary, you must purchase the $15,000 bond from a licensed insurance agent or surety company, complete an application to the Nebraska Secretary of State, and pay a $30 application fee. After receiving commission approval, you have 30 days to file your bond with the Secretary of State Business Services Division in Lincoln. Missing this deadline voids your commission, requiring you to restart the entire process including paying the application fee again.

Nebraska's bond filing process has specific signature requirements. You must sign the bond document twice with consistent signatures: first as the "principal" (the person being bonded), and second when completing the oath of office in front of another commissioned Nebraska notary public. Your bond must reference your official notary name exactly as it will appear on your commission certificate and must list your home address, not your business address. Any inconsistencies in naming or addressing may result in filing rejection and processing delays.

Nebraska does not require notary applicants to pass an examination or complete mandatory pre-commission education courses, making the notary pathway accessible to qualified Nebraska residents. However, you must be at least 18 years old, be a Nebraska resident (or regularly employed in Nebraska for non-residents), and meet basic eligibility standards. The Secretary of State provides voluntary resources and guidelines that new notaries are strongly encouraged to review before performing notarial acts.

The $15,000 bond premium typically costs $150-300 for the full 4-year term, depending primarily on your credit score and the surety company you select. While this represents a higher upfront cost than states with lower bond requirements, it averages just $37-75 annually—a reasonable investment considering the strong liability protection it provides to both the public and, indirectly, to you through reduced legal exposure. Shopping multiple surety providers can help you find the most competitive rate for your credit profile.

Nebraska notary commissions are valid for 4 years from issuance. The Secretary of State does not automatically send renewal reminders, so notaries must proactively track their expiration dates and begin the renewal process within a reasonable period before commission expiration (typically 90 days prior). Renewal requires submitting a new application, obtaining a new $15,000 bond, and paying the $30 application fee. The process mirrors initial applications, though established notaries may qualify for expedited processing.

While Nebraska's $15,000 bond protects the public from financial losses due to notarial errors, it does not protect the notary personally. If a valid claim is paid against your bond, the surety company will seek full reimbursement from you. This is why many Nebraska notaries—particularly those handling high-value agricultural transactions, real estate closings, or corporate documents in Omaha's financial district—purchase separate errors & omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O coverage of $25,000-$100,000 typically costs $50-150 annually and protects YOU by covering legal defense costs and valid claims without seeking reimbursement.