Did you know that any notary in the state of Nebraska has unlimited financial liability on every single document they notarize? No matter for whom or what you notarize, you may be held completely liable for the use of your Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal on a document. Thus, it is important that you know what the use of the Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal means, and how to avoid problems.
Unlike many states, the state of Nebraska's Secretary of State does not clearly itemize just what it is that you will do as a Notary Public in the state on a website or readily available resource. Instead, those interested in becoming notaries are encouraged to take formal training.
The Duties That a Nebraska State Notary Performs
However, to offer a brief explanation of what a Notary Public in Nebraska will do, and how they will use their Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal, it is best to note that notaries will:
- Ensure that anyone signing a document is entering into any agreement both knowingly and willingly
- Ensure that documents are signed correctly when witnessing them, using their Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal to demonstrate this
- Ensure that signers of any document have appeared before them (the Notary Public) and attest to that with the use of their Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal
- Guarantee that those who have appeared before them have produced proper identification
- Verbally administer an oath when performing verification and indicate as much through proper use of the Nebraska Notary Public seal
And as already mentioned, because you are always held liable for the documents you notarize using your Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal you are also going to have to obtain a bond in the sum of $15,000 (with a surety company offering surety) before your Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal can be used.
Notaries in the state must first pass an exam, offer proof of the bond, prove they are a citizen, submit a formal application, and only then can they be a true Notary Public using their official Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal.
Your Nebraska Notary Public stamp and seal is not created, paid for or kept up to date by the state.
The Specifications for Your Nebraska State Notary Seal
That is the responsibility of each notary. These must always meet the state's specifications. For Nebraska notaries, the following criteria must be followed:- The seal is an ink stamp
- It must feature the phrase "State of Nebraska"
- It must say "General Notary" OR "General Notarial"
- It must display the full name of the notary (as they were commissioned)
- It must show the expiration date of the commission
This is a much more flexible set of requirements than many other states. For example, if you work with an experienced vendor it is likely that you will get to choose from round, rectangular, or even some alternative designs that feature the state silhouette or other graphics.
The key, though, is to take full responsibility for the information displayed. It is not the job of the vendor to ensure you have those major points of information on the stamp, and that all of the details are correct. In Nebraska, commissions expire every four years, so be sure to make plans to get your new stamp (and submit the renewal documents) well ahead of time. A reputable maker of notary stamp and seal devices is a key resource at such times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nebraska Notary Public seal mean?
The Nebraska Notary Public seal shows that a document has been notarized by a commissioned Nebraska notary in accordance with state rules. It helps identify the notary, confirms the act was performed officially, and adds credibility to signatures, oaths, and acknowledgments on legal documents.
What information must appear on a Nebraska notary seal?
A Nebraska notary seal must include “State of Nebraska,” either “General Notary” or “General Notarial,” the notary’s full commissioned name, and the expiration date of the commission. It must also be an ink stamp that meets Nebraska’s seal specifications.
Is a Nebraska notary responsible for mistakes made with their seal?
Yes. Nebraska notaries can be held financially liable for errors or misuse of their seal on notarized documents. That is why it is important to make sure every impression is accurate, complete, and compliant before using the seal.
Does Nebraska require a round or rectangular notary seal?
Nebraska is flexible compared with many other states. Depending on the vendor and design, a Nebraska notary seal may be round, rectangular, or another approved style, as long as it meets all required state elements and information.
How often does a Nebraska notary commission expire?
A Nebraska notary commission expires every four years. Notaries should plan ahead for renewal and replacement of their seal so they do not notarize documents with an expired commission date.
What happens if my Nebraska notary seal is missing required details?
If your seal is missing required details, the notarization may be questioned or considered invalid, and you could face liability for any resulting problems. Always verify that your seal includes the correct name, state wording, notarial wording, and expiration date before using it.
