Nebraska Notary Public Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
At a Glance:
- Average Cost: $50 for a four-year term
- Bond Amount: $15,000
- Who Needs it: All notaries public operating in Nebraska
- Purpose: To ensure the public receives compensation for financial harm if the notary fails to properly perform their duties
- Who Regulates Notaries Public in Nebraska: The Nebraska Secretary of State
Background
Nebraska Revised Statute 64-101 requires all notaries operating in the state to obtain a commission from the Secretary of State before providing notarial services. The Nebraska legislature enacted this requirement to ensure that notaries engage in ethical business practices. To provide financial security for the enforcement of the commission requirement, notaries must purchase and maintain a $15,000 surety bond to be eligible for a commission.
What is the Purpose of the Nebraska Notary Public Bond?
Nebraska requires notaries to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to obtaining a notary commission. The bond protects the public from financial harm if the notary fails to comply with the regulations outlined in Nebraska Revised Statute 64-102. Specifically, the bond protects the public if the notary signs any documents for persons committing fraud or does not actually witness the signatures on documents being notarized. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the notary violates the terms of their commission.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Nebraska Notary Public Surety Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining a Nebraska Notary Public bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “Notary” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone at (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.
At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.
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Is a Credit Check Required for the Nebraska Notary Public Bond?
No, a credit check is not required for the Nebraska Notary Public bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same low rate is offered to all notaries in the state regardless of their credit history.
How Much Does the Nebraska Notary Public Bond Cost?
The Nebraska Notary Public bond costs just $50 for a four-year term.
Who is Required to Purchase the Nebraska Notary Bond?
Nebraska requires notaries public to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to obtaining a notary commission. To paraphrase Nebraska Revised Statute 64-107, a notary public is a public official authorized to provide the following services:
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take depositions and acknowledgments
- Take proofs to the execution of deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, and other instruments of writing
- Serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents
Notaries who wish to become online or electronic notaries will not need to purchase an additional surety bond. An electronic notary public is a commissioned notary public that notarizes a document using electronic software while the principal is physically present. Likewise, an online notary public is a commissioned notary public that notarizes a document remotely without the principal being physically present.
BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.
How Do Notaries Apply for a Commission in Nebraska?
Notaries public in Nebraska must navigate several steps to obtain a commission. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the Secretary of State’s website for details on the process.
Commission Term: All Nebraska Notary Public Commissions are valid for four years from the date of issuance and must be renewed before the expiration date.
Notaries Public
Step 1 – Meet the Qualifications
To be eligible to apply for a notary public commission, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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- Be at least 19 years old
- Live or work in Nebraska
- Have not been convicted of a felony in the past five years
Step 2 – Purchase a Surety Bond
Notaries public are required to purchase and maintain a $15,000 surety bond.
Step 3 – Complete the Application
Notaries must submit a completed application to the Secretary of State’s office at the following address:
Notary Division
P.O. Box 95104
Lincoln, NE 68509-5104
Notaries must complete the application in its entirety and submit the following items:
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- $30 application fee
- $15,000 surety bond
- U.S. Citizenship Attestation Form
- Evidence of Employment in Nebraska Form (non-residents only)
- Notarial Oath completed with a commissioned notary public
Step 4 – Take the Exam
Notaries are required to pass an exam prior to being commissioned as a notary public. After submitting the application, the notary will receive the notary test form by email from the Secretary of State. Applicants should complete the test without any assistance from others and return the completed test to the Secretary of State’s office by mail to the following address:
Notary Division
P.O. Box 95104
Lincoln, NE 68509-5104
Once the test is graded, notaries with a passing grade will receive their notary commission certificate by mail. Obtaining the notary commission certificate will allow the notary to purchase their notary stamp seal and begin providing notarial services.
Electronic Notaries Public
Step 1 – Complete the Application
Only an active notary public with a current commission is able to register as an electronic notary. To become an electronic notary public, notaries must submit a completed application and a $100 registration fee to the Secretary of State’s office at the following address:
Notary Division
P.O. Box 95104
Lincoln, NE 68509-5104
Notaries will need to indicate which technology provider they will use on their application, and the Secretary of State provides a list of approved vendors on their website. Non-resident applicants must also complete and submit an Evidence of Employment form.
Step 2 – Satisfy the Education Requirements
Notaries must complete an educational course and pass an exam before registering as an electronic notary public. Applicants will need to contact the Secretary of State’s office to sign up for the training course and exam. A passing score of 85% is required to successfully complete the course.
Once the notary passes the exam, they will receive an electronic notary certificate of registration and will be authorized to begin providing notarial services electronically.
Online Notaries Public
Step 1 – Complete the Application
Only an active notary public with a current commission is able to register as an online notary. To become an online notary public, notaries must submit a completed application and a $50 registration fee to the Secretary of State’s office at the following address:
Notary Division
P.O. Box 95104
Lincoln, NE 68509-5104
Notaries will need to indicate which technology provider they will use on their application, and the Secretary of State provides a list of approved vendors on their website. Non-resident applicants must also complete and submit an Evidence of Employment form.
Step 2 – Satisfy the Education Requirements
Notaries must complete an educational course and pass an exam before registering as an online notary public. Applicants must contact the Secretary of State’s office to sign up for the training course and exam. The training course will be conducted over a webinar and a passing score of 85% is required for the exam.
Once the notary passes the exam, they will receive an online notary commission certificate and will be authorized to begin providing notarial services remotely.
How Do Nebraska Notaries Public Renew Their Commissions?
To renew their commission, notaries public must submit a renewal application and $30 fee to the Secretary of State’s Office at the following address:
Notary Division
P.O. Box 95104
Lincoln, NE 68509-5104
Notaries can also indicate if they are renewing their electronic notary or online notary registrations. All renewal information and steps can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. All Nebraska Notary Public Commissions are valid for four years from the date of issuance. Remote online and electronic notary registrations run concurrently with traditional notary public commissions.
What are the Insurance Requirements for Notaries Public in Nebraska?
Nebraska does not require notaries to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining a commission. Notaries public must purchase and maintain a $15,000 surety bond.
How Do Nebraska Notaries File Their Bonds?
Notaries public should file their completed and notarized bond forms, including the power of attorney, with the Secretary of State’s office at the following address:
Notary Division
P.O. Box 95104
Lincoln, NE 68509-5104
The bond requires a signature from the surety company that issues the bond and the applicant. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:
- Legal name, town, and county of the entity/individual(s) buying the bond
- Surety company’s name and address
- Date the bond was signed
What Can Nebraska Notaries Do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?
To avoid claims on their bonds, notaries public in Nebraska must adhere to all state regulations, including some of the most important issues below that tend to cause claims:
- Do not leave any notary supplies (seal and journal) in a place where they can be easily stolen
- Do not perform notary services for entities/individuals who are engaged in acts of fraud
- Ensure that the signers of documents are who they say they are and are not misrepresenting themselves
- Witness the signatures of all documents being notarized
- Record all transactions in a notary journal
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Notaries in Nebraska?
Nebraska does not require notaries to obtain any form of liability insurance. However, many notaries will consider obtaining errors and omission (E&O) insurance. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue liability insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.
How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Nebraska Notary Customers?
Nebraska unfortunately does not provide a public database of commissioned notaries public in the state. We suggest contacting the Secretary of State’s Office to obtain this information. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.
What Other States Require Notary Bonds?
29 states and the District of Columbia require notaries to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to obtaining a commission. Insurance agents should utilize our Main Notary Bond Page for a detailed analysis of the Notary Bond requirements nationwide.