Key Takeaways
- Bond amount is $15,000 for a 4-year term
- Bond protects the PUBLIC, not the notary
- Must sign the bond twice (as principal and before a notary)
- New bond required for every commission (initial and renewal)
- Bond typically costs $30-$50 for the 4-year term
Last updated: January 2026
Nebraska Notary Surety Bond Requirements
Bond Overview
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $15,000 |
| Term | 4 years (matches commission) |
| Purpose | Protects the public |
| Required for | Initial and renewal commissions |
| Typical cost | $30-$50 for the 4-year term |
What is a Surety Bond?
A surety bond is a three-party agreement:
| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| Principal | The notary public (you) |
| Obligee | The State of Nebraska (beneficiary) |
| Surety | The insurance company issuing the bond |
Purpose of the Bond
The bond provides financial protection to the public if the notary:
- Makes errors that cause financial harm
- Commits misconduct or fraud
- Violates notary laws
Important: The bond does NOT protect the notary. If a claim is paid, the surety company may seek reimbursement from the notary.
Obtaining Your Bond
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Purchase from Nebraska insurance agent or online provider |
| 2 | Sign as the "principal" of the bond |
| 3 | Take oath of office before another notary |
| 4 | Have witnessing notary sign the bond |
| 5 | Submit with application |
Signing the Bond
You must sign the bond twice:
| Signature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| First signature | As the "principal" of the bond |
| Second signature | In presence of another notary when taking oath of office |
Bond Sources
| Source | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nebraska insurance agents | Available locally |
| National notary associations | Often include supply packages |
| Online bond providers | Convenient and often cheapest |
| Notary supply companies | May bundle with seal/stamp |
Renewal Requirements
| Renewal Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| New bond required | Yes, for each new commission |
| Same amount | $15,000 |
| Same term | 4 years |
| Timing | Within 30 days before expiration |
Bond vs. Insurance
| Bond | Errors & Omissions Insurance |
|---|---|
| Required by Nebraska | Optional but recommended |
| Protects the public | Protects the notary |
| Claims paid by surety | Claims paid by insurance |
| Surety seeks reimbursement from notary | No reimbursement required |
| $15,000 coverage | Various coverage amounts |
On the Exam
- Bond amount is $15,000 for 4 years
- Bond protects the PUBLIC, not the notary
- Must sign bond twice (principal + before notary for oath)
- New bond required for every commission (initial and renewal)
- If claim is paid, surety company may seek reimbursement from notary
Test Your Knowledge
Who does the Nebraska notary surety bond protect?
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Test Your Knowledge
How many times must a Nebraska notary sign their surety bond?
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