Key Takeaways
- Nebraska notaries can perform acknowledgments, oaths, affirmations, jurats, and depositions
- Copy certifications are limited in Nebraska
- Each notarial act has specific requirements and purposes
- Maximum fee is $5 per notarial act (acknowledgments and certificates)
- A notary cannot determine which certificate to use - that is the signer's or attorney's decision
Last updated: January 2026
Types of Notarial Acts in Nebraska
Overview of Authorized Acts
Nebraska law authorizes notaries public to perform several types of notarial acts. Each act serves a specific purpose and has its own procedural requirements.
Notarial Acts Authorized in Nebraska
| Notarial Act | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgments | Verify a signer knowingly signed a document |
| Oaths | Administer a promise to tell the truth (religious) |
| Affirmations | Administer a promise to tell the truth (non-religious) |
| Jurats | Witness signing AND administer oath about truthfulness |
| Verifications/Proofs | Confirm identity of a signer |
| Depositions | Record sworn testimony |
| Signature Witnessing | Witness marks or signatures when signer cannot physically sign |
| Protests | Formal notice of dishonored negotiable instruments |
Important Distinction: Acknowledgments vs. Jurats
Understanding the difference between acknowledgments and jurats is essential:
| Feature | Acknowledgment | Jurat |
|---|---|---|
| Signing witnessed | Not required | Required |
| Oath/affirmation | Not required | Required |
| Purpose | Verify signer identity and willingness | Verify truthfulness of document content |
| Signer statement | "I acknowledge I signed this" | "I swear this is true" |
| When used | Deeds, powers of attorney | Affidavits, sworn statements |
Copy Certifications
Limited in Nebraska: Nebraska notaries have restricted authority to certify copies.
| Can Certify | Cannot Certify |
|---|---|
| Documents in notary's possession | Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) |
| Documents where original is present | Public records |
| Government-issued documents |
Critical Rule: Certificate Selection
Nebraska Revised Statute Section 64-105.03 (2) states:
"If notarial certificate wording is not provided or indicated for a document, a notary public who is not an attorney shall not determine the type of notarial act or certificate to be used."
This means:
- If a document has no notarial certificate wording, you cannot add one
- You must inform the signer that the document lacks proper certificate wording
- Suggest the signer consult an attorney to add the proper certificate
On the Exam
- Acknowledgment = Signer confirms they signed willingly (no oath required)
- Jurat = Notary witnesses signing AND administers oath about truthfulness
- Notaries cannot determine certificate type - that's the signer's or attorney's job
- Copy certifications are limited in Nebraska
- Maximum fee is $5 for acknowledgments and certificates
Test Your Knowledge
What is the key difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?
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Test Your Knowledge
A person brings you a document that has no notarial certificate wording. What should you do?
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B
C
D