Nebraska Notary Bond— $15,000 • 85% Exam • Online Only
Nebraska is full of surprises: minimum age 19 (not 18), an 85% exam with only 3 attempts (fail all 3 = permanently ineligible), and online-only filing since November 2023. The $15,000 bond per §64-102 must be from an incorporated surety. Your bond form requires two signatures — once as principal and once before another notary for the oath. Exam scores are valid for 2 years — not 90 days as competitors claim.
Our Promise to Nebraska Applicants
We pre-fill your bond form with the correct $15,000 amount and home-address requirement. If your application is delayed due to a bond form issue on our end, we fix it same-day at no cost. Trusted by Nebraska notaries since 2020 — see how BuySuretyBonds.com works.
Get Your $15,000 Nebraska Bond
Online application • Instant approval
Nebraska Notary Bond Premium by Credit
Based on a $15,000 bond amount
- Excellent (720+)Rate: 0.5-1%$30-40
- Good (660-719)Rate: 1-2%$40-55
- Fair (600-659)Rate: 2-4%$55-110
- Below Average (500-599)Rate: 4-8%$110-220
- Poor (below 500)Rate: 8-15%$220-410
Premium covers the full 4-year commission. Most applicants pay $35-55 total.
Try our notary bond calculator. See surety bond cost guide for how premiums are calculated.
Nebraska's Three-Tier Notary System
Nebraska is one of the few states with three distinct notary commission types. Zero competitor pages we reviewed explain all three tiers in detail. Understanding the full system helps you decide which type of bond coverage you need.
General Notary Public
- Traditional paper notarizations
- Ink stamp and physical journal
- $15,000 bond required
- 4-year commission term
Base commission — required before adding electronic or RON.
In-Person Electronic
- Electronic signatures & documents
- Signer must be physically present
- Same $15,000 bond covers this
- Digital certificate for tamper-evident seal
Growing in popularity for title and mortgage closings.
Online / Remote (RON)
- Two-way audio-video required
- Separate $50 registration fee
- Separate RON exam required
- Same $15,000 bond — no extra bond
Compare: Texas RON | Florida RON
What Makes Nebraska Different
Nebraska has more unusual notary rules than almost any other state. Every item below is something competitors get wrong or omit entirely. Sources are cited inline so you can verify each one. Start with the basics in our what is a surety bond guide.
Age 19 Minimum
Most states require 18. Nebraska's minimum is 19 per §64-101. This aligns with Nebraska's historical age of majority. Competitors frequently list 18 — verify on the SOS website.
85% Exam — 3 Strikes
20 questions, 17/20 to pass. Open-resource, online through the SOS. 30-day wait between retakes. Fail all 3 = permanently ineligible. You cannot retake the course or exam. Source: 433 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 6 §006.
Exam Valid 2 Years (Not 90 Days)
Admin code says 2 years from exam date. Multiple competitor sites incorrectly state 90 days. If you see “90-day exam clock” elsewhere, that information is wrong. The actual 2-year window gives you ample time to secure your surety bond and complete filing.
Online-Only Since Nov 2023
All applications via business.nebraska.gov. Paper applications ended December 31, 2023. Payment by credit/debit or eCheck only. If a competitor site still mentions mailing a paper application, their content is outdated.
Bond Signing Ritual
Nebraska requires you to sign your bond twice: once as the principal and once before another commissioned notary who administers the oath. You cannot notarize your own bond. The bond must list your home address, not a business address.
Three Commission Types
General (paper), In-Person Electronic, and Online (RON). RON requires a separate $50 registration fee and its own exam. The same $15,000 notary bond covers all three types.
Official Nebraska Requirements
"Each notary public shall execute an official bond in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars with an incorporated surety company."Nebraska Secretary of State • Neb. Rev. Stat. §64-102
How to Become a Nebraska Notary (Step-by-Step)
Since November 2023, all applications go through business.nebraska.gov. Paper filing is no longer accepted. Here is exactly what happens, start to finish. For the broader process, see our complete guide to getting a surety bond.
Complete the mandatory education course
Nebraska requires a state-approved notary education course before you can sit for the exam. The course covers notary law, prohibited acts, and journal requirements. It is offered online through the Secretary of State's approved providers.
Pass the 85% exam (17/20)
The exam is 20 questions, open-resource, administered online by the SOS. You need 17/20 to pass. If you fail, you must wait 30 days before retaking. Maximum 3 attempts — fail all 3 and you are permanently ineligible. Your passing score is valid for 2 years.
Purchase your $15,000 surety bond
Get your bond from a licensed surety company (like us). The bond must name an incorporated surety. You will sign the bond form twice — once as principal and once before another commissioned notary who administers the oath. The bond must list your home address.
Submit online application + $30 fee
Go to business.nebraska.gov, create an account, and submit your notary application. Pay the $30 fee by credit/debit card or eCheck. Upload your signed bond form. Paper applications have not been accepted since December 31, 2023.
Receive your commission from the SOS
After the Secretary of State reviews and approves your application, you will receive your notary commission. Your 4-year term begins on the date of commission, not the date of application.
Purchase your stamp and begin notarizing
Buy an ink stamp that meets Nebraska specifications (must include your name, "Notary Public," "State of Nebraska," and commission expiration date). Record all notarial acts in your journal — retain journal records for 10 years per state requirements.
Renewal Process
Renewals require a new exam (pass within 2 years of renewal application), a new $15,000 bond, a new $30 fee, and a new stamp. There is no automatic renewal or grace period. Start the process at least 60 days before expiration. See our notary bond requirements guide for a full comparison across states.
Get Your $15,000 Nebraska Bond
Instant approval, no credit check, file online at business.nebraska.gov.
Get Your Bond NowWhat You Actually Pay
The $15,000 is the bond amount — not what you pay out of pocket. Your premium is a small percentage of that, based on your credit. Use our notary bond calculator for a personalized estimate, or review general surety bond pricing.
Bond premium covers the full 4-year commission term. Compare with North Dakota ($7,500), Kansas ($12,000), and Montana ($25,000). Not sure about the difference between a bond and a cash deposit? We break it down.
Eligibility (§64-101)
- Age 19+ (not 18 — §64-101)
- U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
- Nebraska resident OR border-state resident regularly employed in NE
- Read and understand English
- No felony within 5 years (unless pardoned) — §64-105.01
- Pass 85% exam (20Q, 3 attempts max)
- Complete mandatory education course
- No revocation of prior notary commission within 5 years
Border State Employment
Residents of neighboring states (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado) who are regularly employed in Nebraska may qualify for a commission. You must demonstrate regular NE employment. See state-by-state requirements for comparison.
Fee Schedule (§33-133)
| Notarial Act | Max Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment of deed/instrument | $5 |
| Administering oath/affirmation | $2 |
| Taking affidavit with seal | $2 |
| Certificate and seal | $5 |
| RON surcharge (additional) | $25 |
Civil Liability (§64-109)
Under §64-109, a notary is personally liable for damages caused by misconduct, negligence, or failure to perform duties. The $15,000 bond provides public protection — not protection for the notary. If a bond claim is filed and paid, the surety will seek repayment from you (the principal).
Compare fees: Kansas ($12K), Montana ($25K), Idaho ($10K). See all bond types. Nebraska vehicle dealers also need a Nebraska auto dealer bond, and contractors licensed in the state must carry a Nebraska contractor license bond. Learn surety bond basics or explore surety bond requirements.
Prohibited Acts & When Bond Claims Happen
Your $15,000 surety bond protects the public — not you. If you commit a prohibited act and someone suffers a loss, they can file a bond claim. The surety pays the claim (up to $15,000), then seeks repayment from you.
Family Notarization Ban (§64-105.01)
- • Spouse
- • Parents and grandparents
- • Children and grandchildren
- • Siblings
- • All of the above including in-laws, step, and half relatives
- • Your own signature
- • Any document where you are a named party
- • Any document where you have a financial interest beyond the notary fee
Other Prohibited Acts
- • Notarizing without the signer physically present (for non-RON)
- • Using a name different from your commissioned name
- • Performing acts outside your commission period
- • Charging more than statutory maximum fees
- • Failing to maintain required journal entries
- • Notarizing a document you know is false or fraudulent
- • Using an expired or deficient stamp
Source: §64-105.01
Journal & Record-Keeping Requirements
Nebraska requires all notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts. This is not optional — failure to maintain proper records can result in commission revocation and potential bond claims.
Each entry must include:
- • Date and time of the notarial act
- • Type of notarial act performed
- • Type, title, or description of the document
- • Signer's name and address
- • Method of identification (personal knowledge, ID, credible witness)
- • Fee charged
Retention rules:
- • 10-year retention after the last act recorded
- • Journal must be kept in a secure, locked location
- • If you resign, die, or are removed, journal goes to the SOS
- • Electronic journals allowed for electronic notaries
- • RON sessions require audio-video recordings in addition to journal
Not sure about journal rules in other states? See our notary requirements comparison or the notary bonds hub. Read about bond vs. insurance to understand why journals matter for claims.
Notary Bond vs. E&O Insurance
Your surety bond protects the public — if you make an error, the surety pays the claim, then seeks reimbursement from you personally. Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance protects you. Most Nebraska notaries carry both. See our bond vs. insurance comparison.
Nebraska Notary Bond — Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nebraska's minimum age 19 instead of 18?
Nebraska is one of the very few states with a minimum age of 19 for notary applicants, per Neb. Rev. Stat. §64-101. Most states require 18. This aligns with Nebraska's age of majority, which was historically 19 for certain purposes. Only Alabama (at one time) and Mississippi share or shared this quirk — every other state sets the bar at 18.
How long is the Nebraska exam score valid?
Your exam score is valid for 2 years per 433 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 6 §006 — NOT 90 days as many websites incorrectly state. If you pass the exam, you have a full 2-year window to submit your application. However, if you fail all 3 attempts, you are permanently ineligible and cannot retake the course or exam.
Does Nebraska accept paper applications?
No. Since November 20, 2023, Nebraska requires online-only filing via business.nebraska.gov. Paper submissions ended December 31, 2023. Payment must be made by credit/debit card or eCheck. This is a recent change that many competitor sites have not updated for — if you see a site telling you to mail a paper application, their information is outdated.
What happens if I fail the exam 3 times?
Per 433 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 6 §006, you get a maximum of 3 attempts on the 20-question exam (85% = 17/20). You must wait 30 days between retakes. If you fail all 3, you are permanently ineligible — you cannot retake the course or exam. The exam is open-resource and administered online by the Secretary of State.
What are the three notary commission types in Nebraska?
Nebraska operates a three-tier system: (1) General Notary Public — traditional paper notarizations with ink stamps; (2) In-Person Electronic Notary — electronic notarization using digital tools with the signer physically present; and (3) Online Notary (RON) — remote audio-video notarization with a $50 separate registration fee and its own exam. Each tier has distinct requirements, but all three are covered by the same $15,000 surety bond.
Why does my Nebraska notary bond require two signatures?
Nebraska has a unique bond-signing ritual. You must sign the bond form twice: once as the principal (the person being bonded) and once before another commissioned notary who administers the oath. The witnessing notary then signs and stamps the bond as well. You cannot notarize your own bond — a common mistake that delays applications. The bond must also list your home address, not a business address.
Official Nebraska Sources
§64-102 (Bond)
$15,000 bond requirement from incorporated surety
§64-101 (Age 19+)
Age, residency, term, qualifications
NE SOS — Notary
Applications, exam info, current statutes
Admin Code Ch. 6 §006 (Exam)
85% pass, 3 attempts, 2-year validity
§64-105.01 (Disqualifications)
Felony bar, family notarization prohibition
§64-109 (Civil Liability)
Personal liability for misconduct or negligence
Online Application Portal
Online-only since Nov 2023 — paper discontinued
§33-133 (Fee Schedule)
Maximum fees for notarial acts
NE SOS Contact: PO Box 94608, Lincoln, NE 68509-4608 • Phone: 402-471-2554 • Email: sos.notary@nebraska.gov
Related Guides & Resources
Other Nebraska Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Nebraska
Nebraska's Unique Requirements — Handled
$15,000 bond • Age 19+ • 85% exam • Online-only filing • Three-tier system • Instant approval