Key Takeaways
- Journals are NOT required by Nebraska law but highly recommended
- Journal should include date, signer info, document type, ID method
- Store journal securely for at least 10 years
- Journal provides legal protection for the notary
- Essential for defending against claims or lawsuits
Last updated: January 2026
Nebraska Notary Journal Requirements
Journal Requirement Status
| Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Required by law? | No |
| Recommended? | Highly recommended |
| Best practice? | Yes - essential for protection |
Why Keep a Journal?
Even though Nebraska does not require a journal, keeping one provides:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Legal protection | Evidence of proper procedures |
| Defense against claims | Proof of what occurred |
| Memory aid | Reference for old transactions |
| Fraud detection | Identify patterns or issues |
| Professional credibility | Shows diligence |
Recommended Journal Entries
| Information | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Date and time | When the notarization occurred |
| Signer's name | Who appeared before you |
| Signer's address | Contact information |
| ID type and number | How identity was verified |
| ID expiration date | Proof ID was current |
| Document type | What was notarized |
| Notarial act type | Acknowledgment, jurat, etc. |
| Fees charged | Record of payment |
| Signer's signature | In the journal (recommended) |
| Thumbprint (optional) | Additional security |
Sample Journal Entry Format
| Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | 01/10/2026, 2:30 PM |
| Signer Name | Jane A. Doe |
| Address | 123 Main St, Lincoln, NE 68508 |
| ID Type | Nebraska Driver's License |
| ID Number | X12345678 |
| ID Exp. Date | 06/15/2028 |
| Document | Power of Attorney |
| Act Type | Acknowledgment |
| Fee | $5.00 |
| Signer Signature | [signature] |
Journal Storage
| Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Location | Secure, locked storage |
| Access | Only the notary |
| Duration | At least 10 years |
| After career | Keep indefinitely or transfer to Secretary of State |
| Lost/stolen | Report to Secretary of State |
Types of Journals
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bound book | Tamper-evident, traditional | Pages can't be rearranged |
| Loose-leaf | Easy to organize | Could be altered |
| Electronic | Searchable, backed up | Requires security measures |
Recommendation: Use a bound journal for maximum legal protection (pages cannot be removed or rearranged).
When to Make Entries
| Timing | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Before notarization | Record signer info and ID |
| During notarization | Have signer sign journal |
| After notarization | Complete all fields, record fees |
On the Exam
- Journals are NOT required but highly recommended
- Keep journal for at least 10 years
- Record: date, signer info, ID used, document type, fees
- Journal protects notary from legal claims
- Store journal securely - only notary should access
Test Your Knowledge
Is a notary journal legally required in Nebraska?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
How long should a Nebraska notary keep their journal records?
A
B
C
D