Key Takeaways
- Acknowledgment verifies the signer appeared and acknowledged signing
- Signer does NOT need to sign in front of the notary
- No oath or affirmation is required for acknowledgments
- Signer must be identified through satisfactory evidence
- Common for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, and contracts
Last updated: January 2026
Acknowledgments in Nebraska
What is an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is a notarial act where a signer:
- Appears before the notary in person
- Identifies themselves through satisfactory evidence
- Acknowledges they signed the document willingly
Key Points About Acknowledgments
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Required |
| Signature witnessed by notary | Not required |
| Oath or affirmation | Not required |
| Signer identification | Required |
| Document signed before notary | Not required (can be pre-signed) |
Common Documents Using Acknowledgments
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Real estate deeds | Transfer property ownership |
| Powers of attorney | Grant legal authority |
| Trust documents | Establish or amend trusts |
| Contracts | Business and personal agreements |
| Mortgage documents | Secure loans with property |
Acknowledgment Process
- Signer appears in person before the notary
- Notary verifies signer's identity (ID or credible witness)
- Notary confirms signer understands the document
- Signer acknowledges they signed willingly
- Notary completes the acknowledgment certificate
- Notary signs and seals the document
Sample Acknowledgment Wording
Nebraska provides sample acknowledgment wording on the Secretary of State website:
Individual Acknowledgment:
State of Nebraska, County of ____________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on [date] by [name of person(s)]. [Seal] [Signature of notary] [Printed name of notary] Notary Public
Important Reminders
- The signer does not need to sign in front of you
- You are confirming the signer acknowledges the signature is theirs
- You are not verifying the content is true
- Always verify identity before completing the acknowledgment
On the Exam
- Acknowledgments do not require the notary to witness the signing
- Acknowledgments do not require an oath or affirmation
- The signer must personally appear before the notary
- The notary verifies identity, not truthfulness of content
- Maximum fee is $5 for taking an acknowledgment
Test Your Knowledge
For an acknowledgment, must the signer sign the document in front of the notary?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for performing an acknowledgment in Nebraska?
A
B
C
D