Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska notaries file their oath of office and bond with the county clerk of the county in which they reside.
To verify a notary's signature:
1. Contact the county clerk in the county where the notary filed their oath of office (typically their county of residence).
2. The county clerk maintains the oath of office and bond on file.
3. Alternatively, contact the Nebraska Secretary of State, Notary Division at (402) 471-2558 to confirm commission status.
Email: sos.notary@nebraska.gov
Reference: Neb. Rev. Stat. ss. 64-101 through 64-215

The Nebraska SOS notary search may include both active and expired commissions.
1. Search the Nebraska SOS notary database at https://business.nebraska.gov/search/notary
2. If not found online, contact the Nebraska Secretary of State, Notary Division at (402) 471-2558 for historical records.
3. The county clerk in the notary's county of residence may also have historical oath and bond records.
Address: P.O. Box 95104, Lincoln, NE 68509-5104
Physical: 1201 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508
Commission term: 4 years.

Nebraska requires every notary to use an official ink stamp seal on all notarized documents.
Seal requirements (Neb. Rev. Stat. ss. 64-210):
- Type: Ink stamp seal only (must produce a photographically reproducible impression)
- Must include: "State of Nebraska", "General Notary" or "General Notarial", the notary's name as commissioned, and the commission expiration date
- Ink color: Black or other dark, photographically reproducible ink (red ink or light colors that do not copy/fax well are not acceptable)
- The seal must be affixed firmly so that all information is legible
- Nebraska notaries have statewide jurisdiction; the county of residence is not required on the seal

Nebraska — Contacting the Notary for Verification

Nebraska does not require notaries to maintain a journal for traditional notarizations. However, the Nebraska Secretary of State strongly recommends that notaries voluntarily keep a journal as a best practice for legal protection.

Online notarizations (different requirement):
- For online notarial acts under the Online Notary Public Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 64-401 to 64-420), online notaries must keep a secure electronic record of electronic documents notarized, along with a backup record.
- The electronic record and backup must be maintained for at least 10 years after the date of the transaction.
- Online notaries must take reasonable steps to ensure the integrity, security, and authenticity of online notarial acts and protect records from unauthorized use.

Right to inspect:
- Because journals are not required by statute for traditional notarizations, there is no statutory right to inspect a notary's journal in Nebraska.
- If a notary voluntarily maintains a journal, access would typically require the notary's consent or a court order or subpoena compelling production.

What can be requested (if journal is maintained):
- Recommended journal entries include: date and time, type of document and notarial act, signer's name and address, signer's signature in the journal, identification method used, and other pertinent details.

Key considerations:
- Retention period: If maintained, records should be stored securely and kept for at least 10 years (recommended practice).
- No statutory journal disposition rules apply for traditional notarizations, as journals are not required.
- Thumbprint: Nebraska does not require thumbprints in notary journals.
- For questions about notary practices or to verify a notary's commission, contact the Nebraska Secretary of State Notary Division — (402) 471-2558, sos.notary@nebraska.gov

Relevant statutes: Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 64-401 to 64-420 (Online Notary Public Act)

This information is provided for general reference only, does not constitute legal advice, and may not reflect current law. Laws and procedures change frequently. We make no warranty regarding accuracy or completeness. Consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before taking action.