LEGISLATION State: Nevada Signed: May 29, 2021 Effective: July 01, 2021 Chapter: 200 Summary Assembly Bill 245 raises the fees Notaries may charge and also amends certain provisions related to document preparation services. Affects Amends Sections 240.065, 240.100, 240A.100, 240A-115, and 240A-260 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Changes Raises the fees for taking an acknowledgment from $5 to $15 for the first signature of each signer and from $5 and from $2.50 to $7.50 for each additional signature of each signer. Raises the fees for administering an oath or affirmation from $2.50 to $7.50. Raises the fees for a certified copy from $2.50 to $7.50. Raises the fees for a jurat from $5 to $15. Raises the amount a Notary can charge for a travel fee from $10 to $15 an hour between the hours of 6:00 am and 7:00 pm, and from $25 to $30 an hour between the hours of 7:00 pm and 6:00 am. Raises the application fee for registration as a document preparation service from $50 to $100. Raises the renewal fee for registration as a document preparation service from $25 to $50. Authorizes a Notary who is registered to engage in the business of a document preparation service to perform a notarial act on a document if the Notary has received or will receive directly from a transaction relating to the document a fee for providing document preparation services in addition to the fee authorized pursuant to NRS 240.100 for the notarial act. Provides rules, as specified, related to administrative proceedings against document preparation services. Analysis It’s always a great day when a state legislature raises the statutory fees Notaries Public may charge for their services. For Nevada’s Notaries, the last time the fees were increased was in 1999, so an increase was timely. The bill also clarifies that a Notary who is registered to provide services as a document preparation service may perform a notarial act on a document if the Notary has received or will receive a fee for providing document preparation services in addition to the fee for the notarial act. This provision removes the apparent conflict of interest for providing both services on the same document and allows a Notary to charge fees for the notarial act and for providing document preparation services. Read the bill text.

RULE/REGULATION State: Nevada Signed: December 14, 2018 Effective: December 14, 2018 Chapter: Not applicable Summary Temporary regulations adopted by the Nevada Secretary of State implement the Electronic Notarization Enabling Act and make other changes. Affects Adds new as yet uncodified sections to and amends sections 240.00, 240.210, 240.250 and 240.270 of Chapter 240 of the Nevada Administrative Code Changes Definitions Defines “principal,” “electronic notarial certificate,” electronic notarization solution,” “exclusive control,” identity proofing,” “outside the United States,” “real time,” “session,” “solution provider,” tamper-evident,” and “credential.” Electronic Notary Registration Provides that in addition to the provisions of NRS 240.192, a registration as an electronic Notary must include: (a) the Notary Public’s commission number; (b) the name of the solution provider(s) whose platform or product the Notary Public intends to use to perform electronic notarization; (c) a copy of the Notary Public’s electronic seal and electronic signature which is an exact representation of the signature on file with the Secretary of State; and (d) a statement certifying that the Notary will comply with the provisions of the temporary rules and NRS Chapter 240. Provides that an registrant who is required pursuant to NRS 240.1943 to enroll in and successfully complete a course of study for the mandatory training of electronic Notaries must include with his or her registration a certificate of successful completion of such a course, and further provides that a certificate of successful completion for the mandatory training is valid for 90 days after the date of its issuance. Provides that the Secretary of State may authorize the provision of a course of study for the mandatory training of electronic Notaries public by a qualified third party subject to the terms and conditions established by the Secretary of State or a designee of the Secretary of State. Requires a registrant to certify that he or she will comply with the provisions of the temporary regulations and NRS Chapter 240. Requires a registrant to provide the electronic signature required by NRS 240.192(2)(c) in a file format that can be read without the need for additional software and that can be compared to the exemplar of the electronic Notary’s holographic (handwritten) signature on file with the Secretary of State for authentication purposes. Clarifies that all requirements for registration as required the temporary regulations and NRS Chapter 240 must be completed or the registration may be denied. Clarifies that the fee required to be paid to the Secretary of State at the time the registration as an electronic Notary is not refundable. Clarifies that a Notary whose registration as an electronic Notary has been approved by the Secretary of State will retain the commission number related to the Notary’s underlying commission. Clarifies that the effective date of registration is the date all requirements have been met and confirmed by the Secretary of State and the registration is entered into the Secretary of State’s processing system. Provides that cancellation of a registration pursuant to NRS 240.203 is effective upon receipt by the Secretary of State of the notice requesting cancellation from the electronic Notary or the electronic Notary’s executor or authorized representative, as appropriate. Provides that electronic notarization, including notarization using audio-video communication may only be performed by an electronic Notary Public registered with and approved by the Secretary of State to perform such notarization. Clarifies that a Notary providing electronic Notary services without Secretary of State approval of registration as an electronic Notary is subject to suspension or termination of his or her Notary commission and other penalties as prescribed by the temporary rules and NRS Chapter 240. Provides that a registration must be accompanied by the fee provided by NRS 240.192(l)(c) and must be paid by (a) credit card; (b) debit card; (c) trust account established with the Secretary of State; or (d) any other payment method utilized by the Secretary of State for the provision of online services. Provides that if the payment method which is used to pay the fee for registration is subsequently dishonored by a bank due to challenge or any other reason, the Secretary of State may immediately and without a hearing revoke the registration. Online Electronic Notarizations Requires an electronic Notary performing an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication to be able to (a) identify the principal using multi-factor identification as prescribed by this Chapter and NRS Chapter 240; and (b) identify the document as the same document in which the principal executed the signature. Requires an electronic Notary to take reasonable steps to (a) ensure the integrity, security and authenticity of electronic notarizations; (b) maintain a secure backup of the electronic journal; (c) maintain a secure backup of the recording, if the electronic notarial act is performed using audio-video communication; and (d) ensure that any audio-video communication for the purpose of an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication is secure from unauthorized access or interception. Clarifies that the temporary regulations do not require a principal to participate in an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication. Clarifies that the temporary regulations do not require an electronic Notary to perform an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication. Provides that if the principal or electronic Notary must exit the audio-video communication session, the audio-video communication link is broken, or the resolution or quality of the transmission becomes such that the electronic Notary believes the process has been compromised and cannot be completed, the identity authentication process and any incomplete electronic notarial acts must be started from the beginning. Solution Providers Provides the information and requirements for registration of solution providers and solutions, as specified. Requires a solution provider to maintain a current Nevada business license at all times that an electronic Notary is utilizing its solution. Requires a solution provider to take reasonable steps to ensure that an electronic Notary using its solution has complied with Nevada law pertaining to the registration, training and other requirements pertaining to Notaries Public. Requires an electronic notarization solution must be approved by the Secretary of State prior to use. Requires an electronic notarization solution to provide secure access to the solution by password or other secure means identifying the electronic Notary. Requires an electronic notarization solution to verify from the Secretary of State’s Notary registry, if the registry is available, each time an electronic Notary logs into the solution to ensure that the electronic Notary is in active status before performing an electronic notarization, and to prohibit the start or completion of the act if the Notary’s active status cannot be verified. Requires an electronic notarization solution to provide for the uninterrupted, continuous, simultaneous audio-video communication between the electronic Notary and principal; provide for high-quality video resolution and audio quality to ensure that the electronic Notary and the principal can see, hear and communicate with each other in real time and that will allow the electronic Notary to match the principal with the credential; and provide for a secure communication link that ensures that only the parties to the electronic notarial act and those mutually agreed upon by the parties to the transaction are part of the audio-video communication. Requires an electronic notarization solution to provide an electronic Notary journal that complies with the provisions of the temporary regulations and NRS Chapter 240 for an electronic Notary to document electronic notarial acts. Requires an electronic notarization solution to provide for the recording of the electronic notarial act in compliance with sections 45-48 of the temporary regulations in sufficient quality to ensure the verification of the electronic notarial act. Requires an electronic notarization solution to provide confirmation that the electronic document presented is the same electronic document notarized. Requires an electronic notarization solution to allow for the affixation of the notarial wording and electronic Notary seal as required by the temporary regulations and NRS Chapter 240. Requires an electronic notarization solution to allow for viewing of the electronic Notary seal and signature by a person viewing the electronic document. Requires an electronic notarization solution to provide a method of determining if the electronic document has been altered after the electronic notarial seal has been affixed and the electronic notarial act has been completed. Requires an electronic notarization solution to prevent unauthorized access to the transmission between the electronic Notary and the principal; the recording of the electronic notarial act by audio-video communication; any personal identifying information (PII) used in credential analysis and identity proofing or other part of the audio-video communication, including but not limited to, methods of credential analysis and the output and the credentials offered to the electronic Notary; knowledge-based authentication questions and answers, birthdate, and social security numbers; and the electronic document that is being notarized. Requires an electronic notarization solution to provide a method of generating a paper copy of the document including the notarial certificate, signature and seal and any other document associated with the execution of the notarial act. Requires solution providers to immediately notify the Secretary of State and all Notaries using its solution upon material change of their solution. Identity Proofing and Credential Analysis Standards Requires credential analysis to be provided by a reputable third-party vendor or software tool that can demonstrate proven credential analysis processes. Requires a third-party credential analysis solution to make a credential pass an authenticity test, consistent with sound commercial practices that (a) uses appropriate technologies to confirm the integrity of visual, physical or cryptographic security features; (b) uses appropriate technologies to confirm that the credential is not fraudulent or inappropriately modified; and (c) uses information held or published by the issuing source or authoritative source(s), as available, to confirm the validity of credential details. Requires a third-party credential analysis solution to provide the output of the credential authenticity test to the electronic Notary. Requires the credential analysis procedure to enable the electronic Notary to visually compare for consistency the information and photograph on the presented credential image the principal as viewed by the electronic Notary in real-time through audio-video communication. Provides that if an electronic Notary is unable to validate a presented credential or to match the principal’s physical features with the credential, the electronic Notary must not complete the electronic notarial act and prohibits any further attempt by the electronic Notary or solution provider to use that credential for completing the notarial act using audio-video communication. Requires a dynamic knowledge-based authentication procedure to meet the following requirements: (a) an assessment must contain 5 questions drawn from public or private data sources: (b) each question must contain a minimum of 5 possible answer choices; (c) the principal must answer 80% of the questions correctly answered within 2 minutes; (d) if the principal fails the first assessment, the principal may make an additional 2 attempts with the same electronic Notary within a 48-hour period; (e) each retake assessment taken within the 48-hour period must replace 40% (2) of the prior questions; (f) the system must confirm affirmatively that that the principal has or has not correctly answered the questions; and (g) the system must keep the questions and responses confidential. Provides that an electronic Notary may satisfy NRS 240.1997(l)(b)(3) by utilizing a solution provider approved by the Secretary of State to verify the identity of the principal for whom an electronic notarial act by audio-video communication is performed and requires the solution to meet or exceed the accuracy of identity verifications conducted through a dynamic knowledge-based authentication assessment. Provides that solution provider’s application to provide identity proofing may be made by a written request to the Secretary of State, the application must identify the identity proofing method used by a solution provider and include sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the method meets the requirements of section 38 of the regulations, and the Secretary of State may approve, reject, or request additional information on the application. Electronic Seal Requires the electronic seal used by an electronic Notary to include information required in NRS 240.040 and generally conform to the size and other requirements of a seal used by a traditional Notary except: (a) that once the electronic seal, electronic signature and electronic notarial certificate are affixed and the electronic notarial act is complete, the document is rendered tamper-evident; and (b) if the electronic notarial act is performed by audio-video communication, a statement that the electronic notarial act was performed by means of audio-video communication substantially conforming to “Notarial act performed by audio-video communication” must appear adjacent to the stamp or in the notarial certificate. Electronic Journal Prohibits an electronic journal from containing any personal identifying information that would not be otherwise required pursuant the Electronic Notarization Enabling Act. Prohibits the electronic journal from including the recording of the notarial act if the act is performed by audio-video communication. Provides that an electronic journal may not allow a record to be deleted or altered in content or sequence by the electronic Notary or any other person after the journal entry is recorded but clarifies that this does not preclude a solution provider from providing technical services or maintenance with respect to an electronic journal. Requires the electronic journal to be open to lawful inspection. Requires the electronic journal to be securely backed up. Recording of Remote Electronic Notarization Requires the recording of an electronic notarial act pursuant and any personal identifying information disclosed during the performance of an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication to be protected from unauthorized access. Clarifies that the recording of an electronic notarial act is available (a) to the principal for whom the electronic notarial act was performed; (b) to the Secretary of State’s Office; (c) to law enforcement or state, federal or local agencies in the course of an enforcement action or otherwise in accordance with duties set forth by law; (d) pursuant to subpoena or court order; and (e) to the electronic Notary that performed the electronic notarial act using audio-video communications for the purposes of (a)-(d) above; and (f) to other parties in accordance with permission granted by the parties to the transaction. Provides that an employer of an electronic Notary or a solution provider is authorized to access the electronic seal, electronic signature, solution or recording of the notarial act using audio-video communication for all authorized purposes and to ensure compliance with law. Clarifies that a Notary is responsible for maintaining accurate and reliable notarial records. Allows an electronic Notary may use a solution provider for the storage of the electronic journal and the recording of an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication if the solution provider (a) has registered with the Secretary of State; (b) demonstrates the capability of providing the service; (c) allows the electronic Notary sole control of the electronic journal and the recording of the electronic notarial act using audio-video communication, subject to the authorized access granted by the Notary; and (d) provides access to the electronic journal and the recording of the electronic notarial act using audio-video communication pursuant to the temporary regulations. Prohibited Acts Prohibits an electronic Notary from (a) performing an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication while the electronic Notary is outside Nevada; (b) failing to record and/or properly store the recording of the electronic notarial act performed using audio-video communication; (c) using an invalid electronic seal or digital certificate in the performance of an electronic notarial act; (d) failing to report a change in electronic seal or digital certificate; (e) using the electronic Notary’s electronic signature and electronic seal together, or the electronic seal, except in the performance of an electronic notarial act; (f) allowing unauthorized access to the electronic Notary journal, electronic signature, digital certificate or the solution used to perform electronic notarial acts; or (g) violating any other requirement of the temporary regulations and NRS Chapter 240 pertaining to the performance of an electronic notarial act. Clarifies that the penalties, prohibitions, liabilities, sanctions and remedies for the improper performance of electronic notarial acts are the same as provided by law for the improper performance of non-electronic notarial acts. Official Signature Clarifies that a Notary may use his or her given name, a short or familiar form of his or her given name or the first initial of his or her given name, followed by the Notary’s surname, as his or her official signature which must be consistent with the original signature on the application for appointment as a Notary. Complaints Provides that a person filing a complaint against a Notary must include in the complaint whether the notarial act was performed using audio-video communication. Analysis On December 14, 2018, the Nevada Secretary of State filed temporary regulations to implement the Electronic Notarization Enabling Act. The Act includes provisions for “traditional” electronic notarizations performed in the presence of the Notary and online electronic notarial acts. The regulations are temporary in duration and expire on November 1, 2019. Why did the Secretary issue temporary regulations? In Nevada, temporary regulations are adopted if an agency wishes to promulgate a regulation between August 1 of an even-numbered year and July 1 of the succeeding odd-numbered year. Temporary regulations proposed during this time may be adopted without first submitting it to the Legislative Counsel for review. If the Secretary wishes the temporary regulations to become permanent, it must anticipate the expiration date and submit the regulations to the Legislative Counsel in time enough to permit its review. To read the text of the temporary regulations, download the PDF file below. Download PDF

NV Permanent Regulations (2019) RULE/REGULATION State: Nevada Signed: December 13, 2019 Effective: December 13, 2019 Chapter: N/A/ Summary These rules adopted by the Nevada Secretary of State and approved by the Nevada Legislature make permanent the temporary electronic and remote online notarization rules adopted in late 2018. Affects Chapter 240 of the Nevada Administrative Code Changes 1. Adopts the temporary rules issued on December 14, 2018 in substance with only minor, technical and formatting changes. Analysis The Nevada Secretary of State's office makes permanent the temporary regulations adopted last December regulating electronic and remote online notarizations. Under the rules for issuing temporary regulations, a state agency may promulgate rules without having them reviewed by the Nevada Legislative Council. Desiring to make these rules permanent, the formal review process was implemented and the final regulations were issued on December 13, 2019. To read the final regulations, download the PDF below. Download PDF

LEGISLATION State: Nevada Signed: May 16, 2019 Effective: October 01, 2019 Chapter: 79 Summary Senate Bill 223 removes the requirement for certain notarial acts that a Notary declare under penalty of perjury that a principal appears to be of sound mind and not under duress, fraud or undue influence. Affects Amends sections 159.0753, 162A.620, 162A.860 and 162.865 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Changes No longer requires a Notary to make a declaration under penalty of perjury in a certificate of acknowledgment for the nomination of a guardian that the persons whose names are signed to the document appear to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence. No longer requires a Notary to make a declaration under penalty of perjury in a certificate of acknowledgment for a general power of attorney, a power of attorney for health care decisions and a power of attorney for health care decisions for an adult with an intellectual disability that the persons whose names are signed to the document appear to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence. Analysis Senate Bill 223 removes the requirement for a notarial act on a document nominating a guardian, a general power of attorney, a power of attorney for health care decisions and a power of attorney for health care decisions for an adult with an intellectual disability that a Notary declare under penalty of perjury that a principal appears to be of sound mind and not under duress, fraud or undue influence. The previous requirement put a lot on the shoulders of Notaries who notarized signatures on these documents. It is one thing to allow a Notary to refuse to perform a notarial act if the Notary believes that a signer is not of sound mind, or is under duress, fraud or undue influence. It is quite another to make a Notary sign a certificate of acknowledgment under penalty of perjury that the signer was of sound mind and not under duress, fraud or undue influence. The NNA welcomes this new law. Read the bill text.

LEGISLATIONState: Nevada Signed: May 16, 2019 Effective: July 01, 2019 Chapter: 84 Summary AB 482 revises certain requirements for Notaries wanting to perform marriages or a single marriage ceremony. Affects Amends sections 19.016, 122.060 and 122.064 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Changes Authorizes a county clerk to charge a $5 fee for the filing of a certificate of permission to perform marriages or a specific marriage. Requires a Notary who applies with the county clerk to perform marriages or a single marriage to take a course offered by the county clerk and to pay the fee required for the course, if the county clerk has a course. Analysis In recent years Nevada enacted a law permitting Notaries to perform marriage ceremonies. The qualification of such Notaries to perform marriages is done by the county clerks throughout Nevada. AB 482 requires a Notary wanting to apply to perform marriage ceremonies to take a course and pay the fee for the course, if the county clerk offers one. In addition, the bill also authorizes the county clerk to charge the Notary $5 for issuing a certificate of permission to perform marriages or a specific marriage. Read the bill text.

NV Assembly Bill 275 LEGISLATION State: Nevada Signed: June 14, 2019 Effective: July 01, 2019 Chapter: 627 Summary Assembly Bill 275 removes the requirement for a Nevada Notary Public to be a U.S. Citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident. Affects Amends Section 240.015 of and adds an as yet uncodified section to Chapter 240 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Changes Prohibits the Secretary of State from collecting the Social Security number or alternative personally identifying number from a Notary Public or an applicant for a Notary Public appointment. Removes the requirement for a Notary Public to be a citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted permanent resident and no longer requires a Notary whose permanent resident status has changed during the commission term to report the fact to the Secretary of State. Analysis While the primary focus of the bill is licenses governed by Title 54 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the bill also removes the requirement for an individual to hold permanent U.S. residency or citizenship to be appointed as a Notary Public under Title 19 (Chapter 240). Currently the Nevada Secretary of State does not collect Social Security or Individual Tax Identification numbers for purposes of appointing Notaries Public, so Section 2 of the bill effectively codifies the Secretary of State’s existing protocol and prevents future collection of such data for purposes of Notary appointments. There was discussion during committee hearings on the bill regarding whether a Notary Public appointment should be treated the same as an occupational license. 240.010 of the Nevada Revised Statutes states the Secretary of State may appoint Notaries Public in Nevada. Title 8 U.S.C. § 1621(d) allows a state to provide state benefits, including occupational licensing, to non-citizens through the enactment of legislation such as NV AB 275. Nevada employers of Notaries must still meet federal requirements under 8 U.S.C. § 1324A pertaining to legal employment.

LEGISLATION State: Nevada Signed: April 22, 2019 Effective: April 22, 2019 Chapter: 5 Summary Assembly Bill 65 makes changes related to applications for registration as an electronic Notary and to the certificate of acknowledgment on a form nominating a guardian. Affects Amends Sections 159.0754, 240.100, 240.1657, 240.192 and 240.197 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Changes Eliminates obsolete language that refers to fees a Notary or an electronic Notary may charge to administer an oath or affirmation without a signature. Clarifies that the Secretary of State must authenticate the signature and office of a notarial officer on a document only intended for use in a foreign country and not on a document intended for use in the United States. Eliminates the previous requirement that an applicant registering as an electronic Notary must have been a notarial officer in Nevada for at least 4 years. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a process for an applicant to register as an electronic Notary simultaneously when he or she applies for appointment as a Notary Public. Clarifies that if the Secretary of State establishes a process for an applicant to register as an electronic Notary simultaneously with an application for appointment as a Notary Public, the registration is effective when the individual complies with: (a) The requirements for taking the oath of office and filing the bond under NRS 240.030 and 240.033 and all other requirements in NRS Chapter 240; and (b) The requirements in Chapter 240 related to registering as an electronic Notary. No longer requires a notarial officer taking the acknowledgment of an individual on a form to nominate an appointed guardian to certify under penalty of perjury in the certificate of acknowledgment that the persons whose names are subscribed to the document appear to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence. Analysis Assembly Bill 65 makes several important changes. One welcome change is that applicants registering to become an electronic Notary no longer must have been a Notary or notarial officer in Nevada for at least 4 years prior to registration. Another key change is the modification of the language for a certificate of acknowledgment on a form nominating a guardian. Under previous law, the Notary or notarial officer reciting facts in the certificate of acknowledgment had to declare under penalty of perjury that the individual who signed the document nominating a guardian appeared to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence. The bill has a staggered effective date. All provisions of the bill except those in Section 3 (relating to the authorization given to the Secretary of State to establish a process for an applicant to register as an electronic Notary simultaneously with an application for appointment as a Notary Public) take effect immediately. The Section 3 provisions are effective on July 1, 2019 or on the date the Secretary of State has established a process by which an applicant who registers as an electronic Notary may simultaneously apply for appointment as a Notary, whichever is earlier.

LEGISLATION State: Nevada Signed: May 31, 2021 Effective: July 01, 2021 Chapter: 243 Summary Assembly Bill 325 allows a Notary to certify that a paper printout of an electronic document is a true and correct copy. Affects Creates as yet uncodified sections in Chapters 240 and 247 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Changes Allows a paper copy of an electronic document to be certified as a true copy and recorded in the land records. Provides a certificate for a paper printout copy certification that must be completed by a Notary Public or notarial officer. Analysis New laws allowing Notaries to perform a new copy certification in which the Notary certifies that a paper printout of an electronically notarized document is a true and correct copy are increasingly being enacted in legislatures across the country. These new laws are necessary because two-thirds of all states now all remote online notarization and not all land recording offices across the country can accept electronic records. Thus, these new copy certification laws accommodate those recording offices that have not yet implemented electronic recording. Assembly Bill 325 makes Nevada the twenty-seventh state to enact such a statute.

ADMINISTRATION AND RULES COMMISSION AND APPOINTMENT State to enroll in such a course (NRS 240.018[3]). The Nevada Secretary of State’s office is the official provider of Notary courses. There is a $45 fee for the course. Registration instructions are on the Secretary’s website. Individual Notary applicants must take the online course; the in-person class is available only to organizational groups (website, “Training & Class Information”). “An applicant for appointment as a notary public who is required pursuant to NRS 240.018 to enroll in and successfully complete a course of study for the mandatory training of notaries public must include with his or her application a certificate of successful completion of such a course, which must contain a validation stamp from the Secretary of State. A certificate of successful completion of a course of study for the mandatory training of notaries public is valid for 90 days after the date of its issuance” (NAC 240.270.2). Exam: Effective July 1, 2015, the course of study required for a Notary appointment must include at least three hours of instruction and an examination (NRS 240.018[1][a]). The fee for the training is $45 and is paid at the time of creating an application for appointment as a Notary (see below). At the conclusion of the training and successful passing of the exam, the applicant will receive a certificate of course completion to upload when creating an application for appointment. Certificates of completion are valid for 90 days after their date of issuance. Application: All applicants must obtain a $10,000 surety bond and take and sign the required oath office, both of which must be filed with the county clerk in the applicant’s county of residence or employment prior to applying to become a Notary Public. The county clerk will then issue a filing notice to the applicant, as proof that the oath and bond have been filed and recorded. Applicants must create an account and log in to the Secretary of State’s SilverFlume online business registration system to apply for a Notary appointment. An applicant must declare under penalty of perjury that he or she has never had an appointment as a Notary revoked or suspended in Nevada or any other U.S. state or territory (NRS 240.030[1][e]). Upon completing all required fields in the online Notary application, the applicant must print out the application, sign it, and upload the signed application, county clerk filing notice and certificate of course completion (if on hand). “During the notary application submission process, the system allows one upload attempt of the required documentation” (website, “Step-By-Step Guide To Become A Notary”). The Secretary of State recommends uploading the Certificate of Course Completion at this time since it will shorten the commission approval process. At that time, the applicant will pay the $35 application and $45 training fee ($80 combined). “A person applying for appointment as a notary public may use his or her given name, a short or familiar form of his or her given name or the first initial of his or her given name, followed by the person’s surname” (NAC 240.210.1). “A notary public may use his or her given name, a short or familiar form of his or her given name or the first initial of his or her given name, followed by the notary public’s surname, as his or her official signature which must be consistent with the original signature on the application for appointment as a notary public” (NAC 240.210.3). Background Screening: “Each person applying for appointment as a notary public must submit: “1. A complete set of the fingerprints of the applicant and written permission authorizing the Secretary of State to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report; and “2. A fee in an amount equal to the sum of the amounts charged by the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for processing the fingerprints” (NAC 240.215). Nonresidents: Residents of bordering states (i.e., Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah) may become Nevada Notaries if they maintain or are employed at a licensed place of business in Nevada (NRS 240.015[3]). Such nonresident applicants must include with their applications a notarized “Nonresident Notary Public Affidavit.” Nonresident applicants who are employed by a licensed employer must also submit a notarized “Affidavit of Applicant’s Employer” and a copy of the employer’s business license(s); applicants who are self-employed must also submit a notarized “Affidavit of Self-Employed Applicant” and a copy of the applicant’s business license(s) in the Secretary of State’s SilverFlume system. The applicant’s bond and oath must be filed in his or her county of employment (NRS 240.030[1][d], [2] and [4]; NAC 240.262, 240.264 and 240.266). “A notary public who is a resident of an adjoining state shall submit to the Secretary of State annually, within 30 days before the anniversary date of his or her appointment as a notary public, a copy of the state business license of the place of employment of the notary public in the State of Nevada …, a copy of any license required by the local government where the business is located and the information required pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 240.030” (NRS 240.031). Reappointment: Notaries seeking to be reappointed to a new term must follow the same steps as with the initial appointment. Online Search Not available. Jurisdiction “A person appointed as a notary public pursuant to this chapter may perform notarial acts in any part of this state.…” (NRS 240.020). Term Length “A person appointed as a notary public pursuant to this chapter may perform notarial acts … for a term of 4 years, unless sooner removed” (NRS 240.020). Bond Requirement: “Each person applying for appointment as a notary public must … [e]nter into a bond to the State of Nevada in the sum of $10,000, to be filed with the clerk of the county in which the applicant resides or, if the applicant is a resident of an adjoining state, with the clerk of the county in this State in which the applicant maintains a place of business or is employed. The applicant must submit to the Secretary of State a certificate issued by the appropriate county clerk which indicates that the applicant filed the bond required pursuant to this paragraph” (NRS 240.020.1[d]). “The bond required to be filed pursuant to NRS 240.030 must be executed by the person applying to become a notary public as principal and by a surety company qualified and authorized to do business in this State. The bond must be made payable to the State of Nevada and be conditioned to provide indemnification to a person determined to have suffered damage as a result of an act by the notary public which violates a provision of NRS 240.001 to 240.169, inclusive or, if applicable, an act by the electronic notary public which violates a provision of NRS 240.001 to 240.206, inclusive” (NRS 240.033.1). “The bond that a person applying for appointment as a notary public must enter into pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (d) of subsection 1 of NRS 240.030 must be entered under the same form of the person’s name that appears on the application for appointment” (NAC 240.210.2). Exhaustion of Bond: “If the penal sum of the bond is exhausted, the surety company shall notify the Secretary of State in writing within 30 days after its exhaustion” (NRS 240.033.2). Suspension Without Bond: “The appointment of a notary public is suspended by operation of law when the notary public is no longer covered by a surety bond as required by this section and NRS 240.030 or the penal sum of the bond is exhausted” (NRS 240.033.5). A Notary whose commission has been suspended due to exhaustion or cancellation of a bond may apply to the Secretary of State for reinstatement by submitting an application for an amended certificate of appointment, a certificate from the county clerk stating the suspended Notary filed a new bond, and a $10 application fee (NRS 240.033.6). Release of Surety: “A surety on a bond filed pursuant to NRS 240.030 may be released after the surety gives 30 days’ written notice to the Secretary of State and notary public, but the release does not discharge or otherwise affect a claim filed by a person for damage resulting from an act of the notary public which is alleged to have occurred while the bond was in effect” (NRS 240.033.4). Changes of Status Address and Employment Change: “If, at any time during his or her appointment, a notary public changes his or her mailing address, county of residence or signature or, if the notary public is a resident of an adjoining state, changes his or her place of business or employment, the notary public shall submit to the Secretary of State a request for an amended certificate of appointment on a form provided by the Secretary of State” (NRS 240.036.1). The cost is $10. “If I leave my current job and that employer paid for my becoming a notary, am I no longer a notary? — No, you are still a notary. However, be aware that the employer may cancel your bond, and you would be required to get a new one. If you are not allowed to take your stamp with you, it must be destroyed and you can purchase a new one. The stamp, journal, and Certificate of Appointment are the property of the notary (see NRS 240.143)” (website, “FAQs”). Name or Signature Change: Within 30 days after changing a signature or a name with the intention to use the new signature or name in performing notarial duties, the Notary must apply for an amended certificate of appointment with the Secretary of State. The cost is $10 (NRS 240.036.1 and 3). Go to top. Authorized Acts Nevada Notaries Public and notarial officers are authorized to perform the following notarial acts (NRS 240.004 unless otherwise noted): Take acknowledgments and proofs; Administer oaths and affirmations; Execute jurats; Certify copies; Make or note protests of negotiable instruments, if employed by a depository institution; Perform marriage ceremonies after qualifying with a county clerk (NRS Chapter 122); Perform other duties as prescribed by a specific statute. Acknowledgments Definition: “‘Acknowledgment’ means a declaration by a person that he or she has executed an instrument for the purposes stated therein and, if the instrument is executed in a representative capacity, that the person signed the instrument with proper authority and executed it as the act of the person or entity represented and identified therein” (NRS 240.002). “‘In a representative capacity’ means: “1. For and on behalf of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, as an authorized officer, agent, partner, trustee or other representative; “2. As a public officer, personal representative, guardian or other representative, in the capacity recited in the instrument; “3. As an attorney-in-fact for a principal; or “4. In any other capacity as an authorized representative of another” (NRS 240.003) Standards: “In taking an acknowledgment, determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, that the person making the acknowledgment is the person whose signature is on the document. The person who signed the document shall present the document to the notarial officer in person” (NRS 240.1655.2[a]). “The document signer must present the document to you, the notarial officer, and acknowledge or declare (state) that he or she previously signed the document, or the document signer can sign the document in your presence. If the document is signed in a representative capacity — for example, the person is an officer of a corporation — the person must declare (state) to you that he or she signed the document with proper authority and executed it as the act of the person or entity represented” (website, “Duties”). Proofs NRS 111.265 authorizes certain officers, including Notaries, to take proofs of conveyances affecting real property: “The proof or acknowledgment of every conveyance affecting any real property, if acknowledged or proved within this State, must be taken by one of the following persons: “1. A judge or a clerk of a court having a seal. “2. A notary public. “3. A justice of the peace.” There are provisions for a proof by handwriting in the event that a subscribing witness is dead or cannot be found (NRS 111.135 through 111.150). “If a document signer cannot personally appear before a notary, a subscribing witness may swear, or affirm, that the signature is that of the document signer. The subscribing witness had to be present when the document was signed by the principle and be Personally Known by the Notarial Officer to have subscribing witness’ signature notarized. Only documents requiring an acknowledgment can be notarized through a subscribing witness” (NPH). NOTARIAL ACTS Oaths and Affirmations Definition: “‘Oath’ includes affirmation or declaration” (NRS 10.035). Standards: “A notarial officer shall … in administering an oath or affirmation, determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, the identity of the person taking the oath or affirmation” (NRS 240.1655.2[b]). “The individual taking the oath or affirmation raises one’s right hand while you, the notarial officer, state the words of the oath or affirmation. The oath-taker then repeats these words back to you, and the notarial officer completes the document as required” (website, “Duties”). “To be sensitive to people who wish not to take an oath by swearing, the Notary Public may substitute the word ‘affirm’ for ‘swear’ and exclude the phrase ‘so help you God.’ The person must still answer ‘Yes’ and sign the document in the presence of the Notary Public” (NPH). Jurats Definition: “‘Jurat’ means a declaration by a notarial officer that the signer of a document signed the document in the presence of the notarial officer and swore … or affirmed that the statements in the document are true” (NRS 240.0035). Standards: “A notarial officer shall … in executing a jurat, administer an oath or affirmation to the affiant and determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, that the affiant is the person named in the document. The affiant shall sign the document in the presence of the notarial officer. The notarial officer shall administer the oath or affirmation required pursuant to this paragraph in substantially the following form: Do you (solemnly swear, or affirm) that the statements in this document are true, (so help you God)?” (NRS 240.1655.2[e]). Copy Certifications Standards: “A notarial officer shall … in certifying a copy of a document, photocopy the entire document and certify that the photocopy is a true and correct copy of the document that was presented to the notarial officer” (NRS 240.1655.2[c]). However, Notaries may not certify photocopies of a certificate of birth, death or marriage or of a divorce or annulment decree (NRS 240.075.5 and 440.175.2). “When a notary public certifies that a document is a certified or true copy of an original document, the certification shall not be deemed to be evidence that the notary public knows the contents of the document” (NRS 240.063.2). “In certifying a copy of a document, the Notarial Officer must photocopy the entire document and certify that the photocopy is a true and correct copy of the document that was presented to the notarial officer. The Notary Public must create the copy and is prohibited from completing a certificate on copy produced by another person” (NPH). “Must I see the original document when notarizing a certified copy? — No, the law allows you to certify to a document presented to you. The notarial wording used to certify a copy does not indicate that you are certifying to an original document” (website, “FAQs”). Regarding the Notary certifying a copy of a document written in a foreign language, “[i]f you are asked to certify a copy [of a document written in a foreign language], you should make the photocopy yourself rather than try to compare two copies” (website, “FAQs”). Paper Printout of Electronic Record: Effective July 1, 2021, Chapter 243 of 2021 (Assembly Bill 325) authorized Electronic Notaries to certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is a true and correct copy. See “Certificate of Notarial Act,” below for the notarial certificate for this new type of copy certification. “In certifying a copy of an electronic document, the Notarial Officer is certifying that a paper document is a true and correct copy of an electronic document and was printed by the Notarial Officer or under their supervision. The Notarial Officer must print the entire document and complete the certificate on the printed paper document” (NPH). Protests Definition: “A protest is a certificate of dishonor made by a United States consul or vice consul, or a notarial officer or other person authorized to administer oaths by the law of the place where dishonor occurs” (NRS 104.3505.2). Standards: “A notarial officer shall … in making or noting a protest of a negotiable instrument, verify compliance with the provisions of subsection 2 of NRS 104.3505” (NRS 240.1655.2[d]). “[A protest] may be made upon information satisfactory to him or her. The protest must identify the instrument and certify either that presentment has been made or, if not made, the reason why it was not made, and that the instrument has been dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment. The protest may also certify that notice of dishonor has been given to some or all parties” (NRS 104.3505.2). “A notary public shall not … make or note a protest of a negotiable instrument unless the notary public is employed by a depository institution and the protest is made or noted within the scope of that employment. As used in this subsection, ‘depository institution’ has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 657.037” (NRS 240.075.10). Marriages A law taking effect on October 1, 2013, as Chapter 264 of the Acts of 2013 (Senate Bill 419) amends NRS Chapter 122 to authorize Notaries in good standing to qualify with the county clerk of their county of residence to solemnize marriages. The application fee for such qualification is $25. Alternatively, any Notary in good standing may apply to the local county clerk, up to five times a year, to perform a specific marriage. The application fee for each such marriage is $25. In either case, the county clerk may require the applying Notary to pay for a background screening. Upon being granted county certification of permission to perform marriages, the Notary may officiate at the marital rite of any couple who presents the Notary with a valid marriage license issued by a clerk of a Nevada county. The Notary must take a course offered by the county clerk, if the county clerk has a course. In officiating at nuptial ceremonies, Notaries must comply with all laws of Nevada relating to solemnization of marriages. A Notary who performs a marriage without the couple presenting a valid license is guilty of a misdemeanor. After a marriage is solemnized, the Notary gives each couple a marriage certificate. A certificate of permission to perform marriages is valid as long as the Notary’s appointment is in effect. Upon appointment expiration and renewal, the Notary may renew the certificate of permission without a fee if the application is made within three months of appointment expiration. If the Notary moves from the county, the certificate of permission to perform marriages expires. A Notary may charge $75 to perform a marriage (NRS 240.100.1). “A notary public may only charge the fee … for performing a marriage ceremony if the notary public possesses a valid certificate to perform marriages that has been issued to the notary public pursuant to NRS 122.064” (NAC 240.320.1). Violations may result in revocation or suspension of the Notary’s appointment (NAC 240.310.2). Go to top. Personal Appearance Requirement: “A notary public who is appointed pursuant to [Chapter 240] shall not willfully notarize the signature of a person unless the person is in the presence of the notary public” (NRS 240.155.1). Identification Requirement: In taking an acknowledgment, executing a jurat, or administering an oath or affirmation, a Notary must identify the principal “from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence” (NRS 240.1655.2). “A notary public who is appointed pursuant to [Chapter 240] shall not willfully notarize the signature of a person unless the person is in the presence of the notary public and: “(a) Is known to the notary public; or “(b) If unknown to the notary public, provides a credible witness or documentary evidence of identification to the notary public” (NRS 240.155.1). Personal Knowledge: “A notarial officer has personal knowledge of the identity of a person appearing before the officer if the person is personally known to the officer through dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the person has the identity claimed” (NRS 240.062). Satisfactory Evidence: “[A] notarial officer has satisfactory evidence that a person is the person whose signature is on a document if the person: “(a) Is personally known to the notarial officer; STANDARDS OF PRACTICE “(b) Is identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness who personally appears before the notarial officer; “(c) Is identified on the basis of an identifying document which contains a signature and a photograph; “(d) Is identified on the basis of a consular identification card; “(e) Is identified upon an oath or affirmation of a subscribing witness who is personally known to the notarial officer; or “(f) In the case of a person who is 65 years of age or older and cannot satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (a) to (e), inclusive, is identified upon the basis of an identification card issued by a governmental agency or a senior citizen center” (NRS 240.1655.4). Credible Witness: “‘Credible witness’ means a person who: “1. Swears or affirms that the signer of a document is the person whom he or she claims to be; and “2. Is known personally to the signer of the document and the notarial officer” (NRS 240.0025). The credible witness must be present at the time of notarization (NRS 240.1655.4). An oath or affirmation administered by a Notary to a credible witness must be in substantially the following form: “Do you (solemnly swear, or affirm) that you personally know ___________ (name of person who signed the document) (so help you God)?” (NRS 240.1655.5). “If a credible witness is used, that person must also sign your journal…. The credible witness needs to be present” (website, “FAQs”). Documentary ID: “How many pieces of ID should I require? — As many as necessary to give you satisfactory evidence that the person whose signature is on the document is that person. One may be sufficient. If you rely on an identifying document, that document must contain a signature and a photograph of the document signer” (website, “FAQs”). “Can I use an expired photo ID if the signature and photo match the person before me? — The statute doesn’t address expired IDs. You, the notary, have to make the determination of whether the ID presented is satisfactory or not” (website, “FAQs”). In regard to the documentary identification standards allowed by statute for signers 65 years of age or older (i.e., any card issued by a governmental agency or senior citizen center), the Notary is cautioned to “[u]se this method of identification only if there is absolutely no other way to identify the document signer” (website, “FAQs”). Proofs: “No proof by a subscribing witness shall be taken unless the witness shall be personally known to the person taking the proof to be the person whose name is subscribed to the conveyance as witness thereto, or shall be proved to be such by the oath or affirmation of a credible witness” (NRS 111.120). Incomplete Documents Prohibition: “A notary public shall not … perform a notarial act on a document, including a form that requires the signer to provide information within blank spaces, unless the document has been filled out completely and has been signed” (NRS 240.075.9). “Filled Out Completely” Defined: “For the purposes of subsection 9 of NRS 240.075, the Secretary of State will deem a document that requires the signer to provide information within blank spaces to be filled out completely if the signer: “(a) Provides information in each blank space; or “(b) Designates any blank space in which information is not provided as not applicable or draws a line through the blank space” (NAC 240.310.1). Blank Signature Line: “If a document contains any blank signature line that is designated for an additional signer but the remainder of the document, exclusive of any such blank signature line, satisfies the requirements of subsection 1, the Secretary of State will deem the document to be filled out completely if it is clear that the notarization does not apply to any such blank signature line” (NAC 240.310.2). Blank Document: “A notary public shall not … [p]erform a notarial act on a document that contains only a signature” (NRS 240.075.8). “What if I am asked to notarize a signature that is on a blank piece of paper (no text)? — You must ask your customer to write an explanation as to why they want their signature notarized…. This statement may be as simple as: ‘I have been asked to have my signature notarized for verification’” (website, “FAQs”). Awareness or Competence “Must I determine if the person signing before me understands what he or she is signing? — You are not obligated to make this determination. If you are not comfortable performing a notarial service, you may refuse …” (website, “FAQs”). Signature by Mark “1. The signature of a party, when required to a written instrument, is equally valid if the party cannot write, if: “(a) The person makes his or her mark; “(b) The name of the person making the mark is written near it; and “(c) The mark is witnessed by a person who writes his or her own name as a witness. “2. In order that a signature by mark may be acknowledged or may serve as the signature to any sworn statement, it must be witnessed by two persons who must subscribe their own names as witnesses thereto” (NRS 52.305). Signature by Proxy “If a person is physically unable to sign a document that is presented to a notarial officer pursuant to this section, the person may direct a person other than the notarial officer to sign the person’s name on the document. The notarial officer shall insert ‘Signature affixed by (insert name of other person) at the direction of (insert name of person)’ or words of similar import” (NRS 240.1655.8). “Both the person who is physically unable to sign the document and the person directed to sign the person’s name on the document shall appear before the notarial officer at the time the document is signed” (NAC 240.340.1). Signature Stamp Under NRS Chapter 426, a person who is unable to write a signature due to a physical disability may use a signature stamp to affix a signature “any time that a signature is required by law”: “A person, government, governmental agency and political subdivision of a government must treat each signature affixed by [such a person] through the use of a signature stamp in the same manner as it treats a signature made in writing” (NRS 426.257). Disqualifying Interest Personal: “A notary public may not perform a notarial act if: “(a) The notary public executed or is named in the instrument acknowledged, sworn to or witnessed or attested; “(b) Except as otherwise provided in [NRS 240.065] subsection 2, the notary public has or will receive directly from a transaction relating to the instrument or pleading a commission, fee, advantage, right, title, interest, property or other consideration in excess of the fee authorized pursuant to NRS 240.100 for the notarial act; (NRS 240.065[1]): Relatives: “A notary public may not perform a notarial act if: … “(c) The notary public and the person whose signature is to be acknowledged, sworn to or witnessed or attested are domestic partners; or “(d) The person whose signature is to be acknowledged, sworn to or witnessed or attested is a relative of the domestic partner of the notary public or a relative of the notary public by marriage or consanguinity” (NRS 240.065.1[c] and [d]). “As used in this section, ‘relative’ includes, without limitation: “(a) A spouse or domestic partner, parent, grandparent or stepparent; “(b) A natural born child, stepchild or adopted child; “(c) A grandchild, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother or stepsister; “(d) A grandparent, parent, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother or stepsister of the spouse or domestic partner of the notary public; and “(e) A natural born child, stepchild or adopted child of a sibling or half sibling of the notary public or of a sibling or half sibling of the spouse or domestic partner of the notary public” (NRS 240.065.3). Attorneys: “A notary public who is an attorney licensed to practice law in this State may perform a notarial act on an instrument or pleading if the notary public has or will receive directly from a transaction relating to the instrument or pleading a fee for providing legal services in excess of the fee authorized pursuant to NRS 240.100 for the notarial act” (NRS 240.065.2). Other Notarial Officers: “A notarial officer other than a notary public may not perform a notarial act with respect to a document to which the officer or the officer’s spouse or domestic partner is a party, or in which either of them has a direct beneficial interest…. A notarial act performed in violation of this subsection is voidable” (NRS 240.061.2). Foreign-Language Document “Can I notarize a document that is written in a foreign language? — In most instances, yes. All you need is a title to put in your journal, and you can use the title the person gives you. However, you may not be able to witness a signature because you must be able to tell if that person is named in the document. If you are asked to certify a copy, you should make the photocopy yourself rather than try to compare two copies. You may need to check with an interpreter as to the type, or title, of the document. If this document is false or endorses or promotes a product, you will not know that. Finally, if the document is written in a language you cannot read, you must add the notarial wording in English” (website, “FAQs”). “Can I notarize a document written in a foreign language? – Yes. But, like all notarial acts you complete, this depends on if the Notary Public can obtain the information required to perform the Notarial Act. ”● Can the notary obtain the title of document needed for the journal? ”● When executing a Jurat, can the Notary Public determine the individual is named within the instrument? ”● Is the Notary Public able to verify that the document does not use the Notary’s signature to endorse or promote a product?” (NPH) “If I am asked to certify a copy of a document that is in a language I do not understand, may I refuse to complete the Notarial Act because I am worried, I may be photocopying a document which I am prohibited for copying? – Yes. Again, you should not feel forced to complete a notarization” (NPH). Steps to Proper Notarization “Print and use the following Quick Reference Procedure to prevent errors in notarizing” (website, “Notarial Wording”). The steps listed are as follows: 1. Read notarial wording. 2. Examine signer’s ID, compare picture and description. 3. Require signer to sign journal. 4. Complete journal entry. 5. Have document signer sign document, if unsigned. 6. Complete notarial wording. 7. Sign and stamp document. Notarizing After Hours “Can my employer deny me the right to notarize after hours? — No, your appointment belongs to you, the notary, not your employer (see NRS 240.101, 240.100.4, and 240.143)” (website, “FAQs”). Serving the Public “May I set aside certain hours to notarize documents for the general public and limit notarization to those hours (example: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. only)? — This is a business decision to be made by each notary. The law does not prohibit such a practice” (website, “FAQs”). “Do I have to declare that I am a notary if a person off the street asks, ‘Where can I find a notary?’ — No. The notary law simply states that ‘a notary public may, during normal business hours, perform notarial acts in lawful transactions for a person who requests the act and tenders the appropriate fee’ (see NRS 240.060)” (website, “FAQs”). Undue Influence “A notary public shall not …[i]nfluence a person to enter or not enter into a lawful transaction involving a notarial act performed by the notary public” (NRS 240.075.1). Deceit and Fraud “A notary public shall not …[p]erform any act as a notary public with intent to deceive or defraud, including, without limitation, altering the journal that the notary public is required to keep pursuant to NRS 240.120” (NRS 240.075.3). Testimonials “A notary public shall not …[e]ndorse or promote any product, service or offering if his or her appointment as a notary public is used in the endorsement or promotional statement” (NRS 240.075.4). Advertisements Foreign Language Ads: “Every notary public who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in this State and who advertises his or her services as a notary public in a language other than English by any form of communication, except a single plaque on his or her desk, shall post or otherwise include with the advertisement a notice in the language in which the advertisement appears. The notice must be of a conspicuous size, if in writing, and must appear in substantially the following form: “I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY IN THE STATE OF NEVADA. I AM NOT LICENSED TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE. I MAY NOT ACCEPT FEES FOR GIVING LEGAL ADVICE” (NRS 240.085.1). Use of ‘Notario’: “A notary public who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in this State shall not use the term “notario,” “notario publico,” “licenciado” or any other equivalent non-English term in any form of communication that advertises his or her services as a notary public, including, without limitation, a business card, stationery, notice and sign” (NRS 240.085.2). Employer Restrictions: Effective July 1, 2015, laws governing employers of Notaries have been added to those cited above. Henceforth, an employer of a Notary may not: “(a) Prohibit the notary public from meeting the requirements set forth in subsection 1 [of NRS 240.085]; or “(b) Advertise using the term “notario,” “notario publico” or any other equivalent non-English term in any form of communication that advertises notary public services, including, without limitation, a business card, stationery, notice and sign, unless the notary public under his or her employment is an attorney licensed to practice law in this State” (NRS 240.085.5). Fraudulent Documents “What should I do if I determine a document is forged or fraudulent? — Don’t notarize it. As a responsible citizen, you should also report the crime to law enforcement although nothing in the notarial law requires this” (website, “FAQs”). False Titles: A law that took effect July 1, 2011, defines the crime of “making a false representation concerning title” and makes it a category C felony. This crime applies when any person “executes or notarizes a document purporting to create an interest in, or a lien or encumbrance against, real property, that is recorded in the office of the county recorder in which the real property is located and who knows or has reason to know that the document is forged or groundless, contains a material misstatement or false claim or is otherwise invalid …” (NRS 205.395). Document Correctness “It’s not the notary’s responsibility to check that the form is properly filled out, but it is the notary’s responsibility to make sure the notarial wording is correct and complete” (website, “FAQs”). Document Preparation Services A law enacted in 2013 as Chapter 535 (Assembly Bill 74) and effective March 1, 2014, puts in place a statutory framework for the regulation of persons, including Notaries Public, who provide document preparation services. The law now defines a document preparation service provider as a person who, for compensation and at the direction of a client, provides assistance to the client in a legal matter through such tasks as: (a) preparing or completing a pleading, application or other document; (b) translating an answer to a question posed in such a document; (c) securing any needed support document, such as a birth certificate; or (d) submitting a completed document on behalf of the client to a court or administrative agency. The law does not apply to attorneys, law students, or government employees or persons who provide only secretarial services, among others (NRS 240A.030). Under the law, any would-be provider of document preparation services must register with the Nevada Secretary of State and obtain a $50,000 surety bond (NRS 240A-120). The law sets rules for dealing with clients and prohibits advertisements using the terms “legal aid,” “legal services,” “law office,” “notary public,” “notary,” “licensed,” “attorney,” “lawyer,” or any similar term in English or any other language. The law gives the Secretary of State authority to investigate and discipline violators. It also provides a statutory list of prohibited acts for document preparation professionals, including claiming to have special influence with a court or agency with which a document is to be filed (NRS 240A-240 and 240A-260). Chapters 449 and 199 of the Acts of 2015 (Senate Bill 401 and Assembly Bill 65, respectively) include additional restrictions and requirements for document preparation service providers. Registrants must declare to the Secretary of State under penalty of perjury that they have never had a registration to provide document preparation services revoked or suspended in Nevada or any other U.S. state or territory (NRS 240A-100[4]). Registrants are prohibited from using the terms “notario,” “notario publico,” “licenciado” or similar terms in any language, which imply that the registrant offers services at no charge if the registrant does not do so or is not an attorney licensed to practice law in Nevada (NRS 240A-240[3]). The law now prohibits the Secretary of State from registering as a document preparation service provider any person who has had a registration revoked or suspended for cause, in Nevada or any other state, and authorizes the Secretary to inspect required documentation to ensure registrants’ compliance with the law (NRS 240A-100[2][b]) and 240A-265). Go to top. Certificate Requirements “A notarial act must be evidenced by a certificate that: “(a) Identifies the county, including, without limitation, Carson City, in this state in which the notarial act was performed in substantially the following form: “State of Nevada “County of ___________ “(b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, includes the name of the person whose signature is being notarized. If the certificate is for certifying a copy of a document, the certificate must include the name of the person presenting the document. If the certificate is for the jurat of a subscribing witness, the certificate must include the name of the subscribing witness. “(c) Is signed and dated in ink by the notarial officer performing the notarial act. If the notarial officer is a notary public, the certificate must be signed in the same manner as the signature of the notarial officer that is on file with the Secretary of State. “(d) If the notarial officer performing the notarial act is a notary public, includes the statement imprinted with the stamp of the notary public, as described in NRS 240.040. “(e) If the notarial officer performing the notarial act is not a notary public, includes the title of the office of the notarial officer and may include the official stamp or seal of that office. If the officer is a commissioned officer on active duty in the military service of the United States, the certificate must also include the officer’s rank” (NRS 240.1655.1). “A notarial officer shall not … affix his or her stamp to any document which does not contain a notarial certificate” (NRS 240.075.11). “Your signature and stamp by themselves do not constitute a complete notarization. You also need to complete the notarial wording” (website, “FAQs”). Certificate Forms Nevada has adopted the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts short-form certificates (NRS 240.166, 240.1665, 240.167, and 240.168, respectively) for: 1. Acknowledgment by individual; 2. Acknowledgment by representative; 3. Jurat (“verification upon oath or affirmation”); 4. Certifying a copy of document. Nevada also has adopted certificates for an acknowledgment by a signer who is identified by a credible witness, for an acknowledgment by an attorney in fact, for the jurat of a subscribing witness, and for an oath or affirmation of office (NRS 240.169, 240.1667, 240.1685 and 240.1663, respectively). The text of these certificates appears below. Specifically, for the acknowledgment of a durable power of attorney for either finances or health care, effective October 1, 2009, Nevada has adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (NRS Chapter 162A). This act stipulates specific wording for the Notary certificate on such documents (NRS 162A.620). Effective June 4, 2015, Nevada has added to this chapter laws governing the acknowledgment of a durable CERTIFICATE OF NOTARIAL ACT power of attorney for health care by a person with an intellectual disability; the same Notary certificate wording applies. The text of these certificates appears below. Acknowledgment by Individual Signer (Short Form) (NRS 240.166) State of Nevada County of _________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on _________ (date) by _________ (name of person). (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Acknowledgment by Representative Signer (Short Form) (NRS 240.1665) State of Nevada County of _________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on _________ (date) by _________ (name of person) as __________ (type of authority, e.g., officer, trustee, etc.) of __________ (name of party on behalf of whom instrument was executed). (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Jurat (Short Form (NRS 240.167) State of Nevada County of _________ Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on _________ (date) by __________ (name of person making statement). (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Copy Certification (Short Form) (NRS 240.168) State of Nevada County of _________ I certify that this is a true and correct copy of a document in the possession of __________ (name of person who presents the document). Dated __________ (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Acknowledgment by Signer Identified by Credible Witness (Short Form) (NRS 240.169) State of Nevada County of _________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on _________ (date) by _________ (name of person), who personally appeared before me and whose identity I verified upon the oath of _________ (name of credible witness), a credible witness personally known to me and to the person who acknowledged this instrument before me. (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Acknowledgment by Attorney in Fact (Short Form) (NRS 240.1667) State of Nevada County of _________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on _________ (date) by _________ (name of person holding power of attorney), as attorney in fact for _________ (name of principal/person named in the document). (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Acknowledgment by Person Physically Unable to Sign Directing Another to Sign on His/Her Behalf (NAC 240.340[2]) State of Nevada County of _________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on _________ (date) by _________ (name of person physically unable to sign document), who directed that his or her signature be affixed to the above instrument by _________ (name of person directed to sign document). (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Acknowledgment for Durable Power of Attorney for Finances or Health Care (NRS 162A.620) State of Nevada County of _________ On this ______ day of ____________ in the year _______, before me _____________(name of Notary), personally appeared _________________ (name of principal), personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to this instrument, and acknowledged that he or she executed it. I declare under penalty of perjury that the person whose name is subscribed to this instrument appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence. (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Jurat of Subscribing Witness (Short Form) (NRS 240.1685) State of Nevada County of _________ On _________ (date), _________ (name of subscribing witness) personally appeared before me, whom I know to be the person who signed this jurat of a subscribing witness while under oath, and swears that he/she was present and witnessed _________ (name of principal signer) sign his/her name to the above document. _________________________ (Signature of subscribing witness) Signed and sworn before me on _________ (date) by __________ (name of subscribing witness). (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Jurat of Person Taking Oath or Affirmation of Office (NRS 240.1663) State of Nevada County of _________ I, _________ (name of person taking oath or affirmation of office), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Nevada against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution or law of any state notwithstanding, and that I will well and faithfully perform all the duties of the office of _________ (title of office), on which I am about to enter; (if an oath) so help me God; (if an affirmation) under the pains and penalties of perjury. _________________________ (Signature of person taking oath or affirmation of office) Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on _________ (date) by __________ (name of person taking oath or affirmation of office). (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Copy Certification of a Paper Copy of an Electronic Record (NRS 240.19902) State of Nevada County of _________ I certify that this is a true and correct copy of an electronic document printed by me or under my supervision. I further certify that, at the time of printing, no security features present on the electronic document indicated any changes or errors in an electronic signature or other information in the electronic document since its creation or execution. Dated _________________ (Stamp) _________________________ (Signature of notarial officer) _________________________ (Title and rank [optional]) Sufficiency of Certificate “A certificate of a notarial act is sufficient if it meets the requirements of subsections 1 and 2 [of NRS 240.1655] and it: “(a) Is in the short form set forth in NRS 240.166 to 240.169, inclusive; “(b) Is in a form otherwise prescribed by the law of this state; “(c) Is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations applicable in the place in which the notarial act was performed; or “(d) Sets forth the actions of the notarial officer and those are sufficient to meet the requirements of the designated notarial act …” (NRS 240.1655.3). Providing a Certificate “When there is no room for the notarial certificate (such as on many DMV documents), may I attach one on another piece of paper? How should I indicate that this is what I have done? — The notary stamp must be readable, and the 1997 law prohibits placing your notary stamp or your signature over printed material. Note on the document that a notarial certificate is attached and note on the notarial certificate the kind of document to which it is attached. This will also apply if you notarized the back of the document. Keep in mind, the best place for the notary wording and your notary stamp is on the face of the document where the signature of the document signer appears” (website, “FAQs”). “A notary is not allowed to decide which notary wording will be added. It is up to the document signer to select the type of notary wording to be added” (website, “Notarial Wording”). Correcting a Certificate “May I change the venue if it is printed with the wrong state or county? – The Notary Public shall authenticate all acts with a Nevada compliant certificate. It is best practice to complete a new certificate rather than editing or correcting prepopulated wording” (NPH). Unlawful Use of Certificate “It is unlawful for any person to: “(a) Photocopy or otherwise reproduce a completed notarial certificate with a notary’s statement and signature if that certificate is reproduced for use in a mailing to endorse, promote or sell any product, service or offering; or “(b) Include a photocopy or other reproduction of a completed notarial certificate with a notary’s statement and signature in a mailing to endorse, promote or sell any product, service or offering” (NRS 240.145.1). False Certificate “A notary public shall not … [c]ertify an instrument containing a statement known by the notary public to be false” (NRS 240.075.2). Go to top. Stamp Requirement A notarial act must be evidenced by a certificate that … [i]f the notarial officer performing the notarial act is a notary public, includes the statement imprinted with the stamp of the notary public, as described in NRS 240.040” (NRS 240.1655.1[d]). Stamp Format Rubber or Other Mechanical Stamp: The seal must be “imprinted in indelible, photographically reproducible ink with a rubber or other mechanical stamp” (NRS 240.040.1[a]). “As used in this section, ‘mechanical stamp’ includes an imprint made by a computer or other similar technology” (NRS 240.040.6). In all cases, the stamp must produce a legible imprint (NRS 240.040.3[b]). In Nevada, the Notary’s official imprinting device is generally referred to as the “Notary stamp,” which typically is a rubber inking stamp. The term “Notary seal” is reserved for embossers, which Notaries in the state were required to use prior to July 1, 1965 (NRS 240.040.2). Shape and Size: Rectangular, not larger than 1 inch by 2½ inches. A border design for the stamp is optional (NRS 240.040.3[a]). Components: “1. The statement [imprinted with the stamp of the notary public] must … “(b) Set forth: “(1) The name of the notary public; “(2) The phrase “Notary Public, State of Nevada”; “(3) The date on which the appointment of the notary public expires; “(4) The number of the certificate of appointment of the notary public; “(5) If the notary public so desires, the Great Seal of the State of Nevada; and “(6) If the notary public is a resident of an adjoining state, the word ‘nonresident’” (NRS 240.040.1). The use of the Great Seal of the State of Nevada is optional. Example The below typical, actual-size examples of rubber stamp, embossing, and electronic Notary seals are allowed by Nevada law. Other formats may also be permitted. The Great Seal and border are optional. SEAL AND SIGNATURE Ink Color “How important is it that I use black ink for my stamp as opposed to some other color? — The notary law states that you may use any color ink as long as it is indelible and photographically reproducible” (website, “FAQs”; see also NRS 240.040.1[a]). Seal Embosser “After July 1, 1965, an embossed notarial seal is not required on notarized documents” (NRS 240.040.2). Placement of Stamp “A notary public shall not affix his or her stamp over printed material” (NRS 240.040.4). “When there is no room for the notarial certificate, may I use my stamp on the back or attach one on another piece of paper? How should I indicate that this is what I have done? – The notary stamp must be readable, and Statute prohibits placing a Notary Public’s stamp or signature over printed material. You may use the back of the document or an attached sheet. When a notarial certificate is attached, please note on the notarial certificate the document to which it is attached” (NPH). Manufacturing Stamp Commission Certificate Required: “A person or governmental entity shall not make, manufacture or otherwise produce a notary’s stamp unless the notary public presents his or her original or amended certificate of appointment or a certified copy of his or her original or amended certificate of appointment to that person or governmental entity” (NRS 240.045.3). Multiple Stamps Allowed: A Notary may obtain and use more than one stamp (website, “FAQs”). Lost or Damaged Stamp “1. If the stamp of a notary public is lost, the notary public shall, within 10 days after the stamp is lost, submit to the Secretary of State a request for an amended certificate of appointment, on a form provided by the Secretary of State, and obtain a new stamp…. The request must be accompanied by a fee of $10. “2. If the stamp is destroyed, broken, damaged or otherwise rendered inoperable, the notary public shall immediately notify the Secretary of State of that fact and obtain a new stamp” (NRS 240.045). Security of Stamp “A notary public shall keep his or her stamp in a secure location during any period in which the notary public is not using the stamp to perform a notarial act” (NRS 240.040.5). “As used in NRS 240.040 and 240.120, the Secretary of State will interpret the term ‘secure location’ to include, without limitation: “1. In the sole possession of the notary public to whom a stamp or journal belongs; or “2. A locked location over which the notary public to whom a stamp or journal belongs has sole control” (NAC 240.300). Unauthorized Use of Stamp “A notary public shall not …[a]llow any other person to use his or her notary’s stamp” (NRS 240.075.6). New Stamp Required for Amended Certificate “When the notary public receives the amended certificate of appointment, the notary public shall … [d]estroy his or her notary’s stamp and obtain a new notary’s stamp which includes the information on the amended certificate” (NRS 240.036.5[a]). Withholding Notary’s Stamp “It is unlawful for a person who comes into possession of the official stamp, journal or certificate of appointment of a notary public to withhold such an item from the notary public, whether or not the person provided the notary public with the money to acquire the item” (NRS 240.143). Destruction of Stamp Upon the resignation or death of a current Notary, the Notary — or the executor of the Notary’s estate — must notify the Secretary of State and destroy the official stamp (NRS 240.051[1]). “The stamp must be destroyed immediately” (website, “FAQs”). Notary’s Signature Conformity to Signature on File: On every notarial certificate, an official signature must “be signed and dated in ink by the notarial officer performing the notarial act. If the notarial officer is a notary public, the certificate must be signed in the same manner as the signature of the notarial officer that is on file with the Secretary of State” (NRS 1655.1[c]). Overlapping Text: “A notarial officer shall not affix his or her signature over printed material” (NRS 240.1655.6). Evidentiary Value: “The signature of a notary public on a document shall be deemed to be evidence only that the notary public knows the contents of the document that constitute the signature, execution, acknowledgment, oath, affirmation or affidavit” (NRS 240.063.1). Unauthorized Use of Signature: “A notary public shall not … [a]llow any other person to sign the notary’s name in a notarial capacity” (NRS 240.075.7). Go to top. Records Requirement Journal of Notarial Acts: A Nevada Notary Public must keep a journal of notarial acts (NRS 240.120.1). Electronic Journal of Electronic Notarial Acts: “An electronic notary public shall keep an electronic journal of each electronic notarial act which includes, without limitation, the requirements of subsections 1 and 5 of NRS 240.120, but does not include the electronic signatures of the person for whom the electronic notarial act was performed and any witnesses: (NRS 240.201.1). Recording of Remote Notarial Acts: “An electronic notary public shall arrange for a recording to be made of each electronic notarial act performed using audio-video communication” (NRS 240.1995.1). Journal Format Notarial Acts: “The journal must … [b]e in a bound volume with preprinted page numbers” (NRS 240.120.6[b]). Electronic Notarial Acts: “An electronic journal must: “(a) Enable access by a password or other secure means of authentication; and “(b) Be capable of providing tangible or electronic copies of any entry made therein” (NRS 240.201.5). RECORDS OF NOTARIAL ACTS Journal Entries “Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, each notary public shall keep a journal in his or her office in which the notary public shall enter for each notarial act performed, at the time the act is performed: “(a) The fees charged, if any; “(b) The title of the document; “(c) The date on which the notary public performed the act; “(d) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the name and signature of the person whose signature is being notarized; “(e) Subject to the provisions of subsection 4, a description of the evidence used by the notary public to verify the identification of the person whose signature is being notarized; “(f) An indication of whether the notary public administered an oath; and “(g) The type of certificate used to evidence the notarial act, as required pursuant to NRS 240.1655” (NRS 240.120.1). Refusal for Failure to Sign: “May I refuse to complete a notarization for someone who refuses to sign my journal? – You must. Chapter 240 of Nevada Revised Statute requires the journal be signed. It is a good practice to complete the journal entry before you complete the notarial certificate” (NPH). Delegating Journal Duties: “To save time, can I have another employee enter the information required in the journal, then have the document signer sign the journal in my presence? – No, you may not have any other person than yourself enter information into your journal” (NPH). One Entry, Multiple Acts: “A notary public may make one entry in the journal which documents more than one notarial act if the notarial acts documented are performed: “(a) For the same person and at the same time; and “(b) On one document or on similar documents” (NRS 240.120.2). Signature Exception: “When performing a notarial act for a person, a notary public need not require the person to sign the journal if: “(a) The notary public has performed a notarial act for the person within the previous 6 months; “(b) The notary public has personal knowledge of the identity of the person; and “(c) The person is an employer or coworker of the notary public and the notarial act relates to a transaction performed in the ordinary course of the person’s business” (NRS 240.120.3). “If, pursuant to [NRS 240.120] subsection 3, a notary public does not require a person to sign the journal, the notary public shall enter ‘known personally’ as the description required to be entered into the journal pursuant to paragraph (e) of subsection 1” (NRS 240.120.4). “Personally Known”: “A notary public may enter in his or her journal ‘known personally’ as the description of the evidence used by the notary public to verify the identification of a person whose signature is being notarized pursuant to NRS 240.120 if the notary public has personal knowledge of the identity of the person” (NAC 240.330). Credible Witness: “If the notary verifies the identification of the person whose signature is being notarized on the basis of a credible witness, the notary public shall: “(a) Require the witness to sign the journal in the space provided for the description of the evidence used; and “(b) Make a notation in the journal that the witness is a credible witness” (NRS 240.120.5). Travel Fees: Any travel fee charged must be noted in the journal, along with the “date and time that the notary public began and ended such travel” (NRS 240.100.5). Electronic and Online Acts: For each electronic notarial act performed, an Electronic Notary must create a journal entry that conforms to the requirements of NRS 240.120 (NRS 240.201). Personal Information Protected: “The electronic journal required pursuant to NRS 240.201 must not contain any personal identifying information (PII) that would not be otherwise required pursuant to this act. The electronic journal of a notarial act shall not include the recording of the notarial act if the act is performed by audio-video communication required under NRS 240.1995 and this chapter.” (NAC 240 Sec. 41). “An electronic journal may not allow a record to be deleted or altered in content or sequence by the electronic notary public or any other person after the journal entry is recorded. This provision does not preclude a solution provider from providing technical services or maintenance with respect to an electronic journal” (NAC 240 Sec. 42). “Pursuant to NRS 240.201, the electronic journal must be open to lawful inspection” (NAC 240 Sec. 43). “The electronic journal required pursuant to NRS 240.201 must be securely backed up” (NAC 240 Sec. 44). Inspection and Copying of Journal “The journal must … [b]e open to public inspection” (NRS 240.120.6[a]). “A notary public shall, upon request and payment of the fee set forth in NRS 240.100, provide a certified copy of an entry in his or her journal” (NRS 240.120.7). Any person may inspect the Notary’s journal during the time that the Notary “would normally be at work” (website, “FAQs”). Lost or Stolen Journal “A notary public shall file a report with the Secretary of State and the appropriate law enforcement agency if the journal of the notary public is lost or stolen” (NRS 240.120.10). Retention of Journal Notary Public: “A notary public shall retain each journal that the notary public has kept pursuant to this section until 7 years after the date on which he or she ceases to be a notary public” (NRS 240.120.9). “If I stop being a notary or if I die, what happens to my journal? — Notify the Secretary of State writing as to the location of the journal if it is within [7 years]. After this time frame, your estate may dispose of the journal(s) (website, “FAQs”). Electronic Notary Public: “Upon surrender, revocation or expiration of a registration as an electronic notary public, all notarial records required pursuant to NRS 240.001 to 240.206, inclusive, and sections 30 to 38.7, inclusive, of this act must, except as otherwise provided by law, be kept by the electronic notary public for a period of 7 years after the termination of the registration of the electronic notary public” (NRS 240.201.7). Security of Journal “A notary public shall keep his or her journal in a secure location during any period in which the notary public is not making an entry or notation in the journal pursuant to this section” (NRS 240.120.1.8). “As used in NRS 240.040 and 240.120, the Secretary of State will interpret the term ‘secure location’ to include, without limitation: “1. In the sole possession of the notary public to whom a stamp or journal belongs; or “2. A locked location over which the notary public to whom a stamp or journal belongs has sole control” (NAC 240.300). Willful Alteration of Journal “A notary public shall not … [p]erform any act as a notary public with intent to deceive or defraud, including, without limitation, altering the journal that the notary public is required to keep pursuant to NRS 240.120” (NRS 240.075.3). Withholding Notary’s Journal “It is unlawful for a person who comes into possession of the official stamp, journal or certificate of appointment of a notary public to withhold such an item from the notary public, whether or not the person provided the notary public with the money to acquire the item.” Such items are considered the personal property of the Notary (NRS 240.143). Destruction and Concealment of Journal “It is unlawful for a person to knowingly destroy, deface or conceal a notarial record” (NRS 240.147). Other Notarial Officers None of the journal requirements and provisions of NRS 240.120 that apply to Notaries Public apply to the following “notarial officers”: a judge, clerk or deputy clerk of any court in Nevada; a justice of the peace; any other person authorized to perform notarial acts by Nevada law; and any person authorized to notarize by the law of a federally recognized Indian tribe (NRS 240.120.11 and 240.1635.1). Recording of Remote Notarizations Notice of Recording: “Before performing any electronic notarial act using audio-video communication, the electronic notary public must inform all participating persons that the electronic notarization will be electronically recorded” (NRS 240.1995.1). Contents of Recording: “If the person for whom the electronic notarial act is being performed is identified by personal knowledge, the recording of the electronic notarial act must include an explanation by the electronic notary public as to how he or she knows the person and how long he or she has known the person” (NRS 240.1995.2) “If the person for whom the electronic notarial act is being performed is identified by a credible witness: ”(a) The credible witness must appear before the electronic notary public; and “(b) The recording of the electronic notarial act must include: “(1) A statement by the electronic notary public as to whether he or she identified the credible witness by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence; and “(2) An explanation by the credible witness as to how he or she knows the person for whom the electronic notarial act is being performed and how long he or she has known the person” (NRS 240.1995.2). Personal Information Protected: “The recording of an electronic notarial act pursuant to NRS 240.1995 and any personal identifying information (PII) disclosed during the performance of a notarial act using audio-video communication must be protected from unauthorized access” (NAC 240 Sec. 45). Availability of Recording: “The recording of an electronic notarial act pursuant to NRS 240.1995 is available: “1. To the principal for whom the electronic notarial act was performed; “2. To the Secretary of State’s Office; “3. To law enforcement or state, federal or local agencies in the course of an enforcement action or otherwise in accordance with duties set forth by law; “4. Pursuant to subpoena or court order; and (sic) “5. To the electronic notary public that performed the electronic notarial act using audio-video communications for the purposes of subsections 1-4. “6. To other parties in accordance with permission granted by the parties to the transaction” (NAC 240 Sec. 46). Repository of Journals, Recordings: “A Nevada notary public is responsible for maintaining accurate and reliable notarial records. A Nevada electronic notary public may use a solution provider for the storage of the electronic journal and the recording of an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication subject to the provisions of this chapter and NRS Chapter 240 if the solution provider: “1. Has registered with the Secretary of State; “2. Demonstrates the capability of providing such service; “3. Allows the electronic notary public sole control of the electronic journal and the recording of the electronic notarial act using audiovideo communication, subject to the authorized access granted by the notary; and “4. Provides access to the electronic journal and the recording of the electronic notarial act using audio-video communication pursuant to this chapter” (NAC 240 Sec. 48). Go to top. Maximum Fees Paper Notarizations: A notary public may charge the following fees and no more (NRS 240.100.1 – NOTE, AT TIME OF PUBLICATION, THE CHANGES TO NEVADA’S FEES STATUTE ENACTED BY CHAPTER 200 OF 2021 [ASSEMBLY BILL 245] STATED BELOW HAD NOT YET BEEN CODIFIED INTO THE STATUTE): 1. For taking an acknowledgment, for the first signature of each signer $15.00 2. For each additional signature of each signer $7.50 3. For administering an oath or affirmation $7.50 4. For a certified copy $7.50 FEES FOR NOTARIAL ACTS 5. For a jurat, for each signature on the affidavit $15.00 6. For performing a marriage ceremony $75.00 Electronic and Online Notarizations: An electronic notary public may charge the following fees (NRS 240.197.1[a]): 1. For taking an acknowledgment, for each signature $25 2. For executing a jurat, for each signature $25 3. For administering an oath or affirmation $25 “An electronic notary public shall not charge a fee to perform an electronic notarial act unless he or she is authorized to charge a fee for such an electronic notarial act pursuant to this section” (NRS 240.197.1[b]). Travel Fees Notaries and electronic Notaries may charge an additional fee for traveling to perform a notarial act if (NRS 240.100[3]; see also NRS 240.197.1[d]): (a) They are asked to travel by the person requesting the notarial act; (b) They explain to the person requesting the act that the fee is in addition to the statutory fee and not required by law; (c) There is an agreement in advance upon the hourly rate to be charged for the travel; and (d) The fee does not exceed $15 per hour for travel between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. ($10 per hour for an electronic notarization) or $30 per hour for travel between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. ($25 per hour for an electronic notarization). (e) The Notary may charge a minimum of two hours for such travel and must charge on a pro-rata basis after the first two hours (NRS 240.100.3[d]). Advance Payment of Travel Fee: “A Notary is entitled to the travel fee agreed upon in advance if: “(a) The person requesting the notarial act cancels the request after the notary public begins his or her travel to perform the requested notarial act. “(b) The notary public is unable to perform the requested notarial act as a result of the actions of the person who requested the notarial act or any other person who is necessary for the performance of the notarial act” (NRS 240.100.4; see also NRS 240.197.1[e]). “If a travel fee is going to be assessed, pursuant to NRS 240.100(3)(d)(1)(2), full disclosure of the travel fee must be made in advance of the travel and be agreed upon by the person requesting the service” (website, “FAQs”). The travel fee must be noted in the Notary’s official journal, along with the “date and time that the notary public began and ended such travel” (NRS 240.100.5). Advance Payment of Fee All fees are payable in advance, if demanded (NRS 240.100.2). Unauthorized Fees “A notary public shall not charge a fee to perform a service unless the notary public is authorized to charge a fee for such a service pursuant to this chapter” (NRS 240.130). Discriminatory Fees “The statute doesn’t require that you charge a fee. But if you charge one person and not another, other laws such as those prohibiting discrimination may be applicable. Check with an attorney” (website, “FAQs”). Employers and Fees '“A person who employs a notary public may prohibit the notary public from charging a fee for a notarial act that the notary public performs within the scope of the employment. Such a person shall not require the notary public whom the person employs to surrender to the person all or part of a fee charged by the notary public for a notarial act performed outside the scope of the employment of the notary public” (NRS 240.100.6). “The statutes state that the notary can charge a fee. The issue of who keeps the fee [notary or employer] can be negotiated between you and your employer” (website, “FAQs”). Posting of Fees “If a notary public charges fees for performing notarial acts, the notary public shall publish and set up in some conspicuous place in his or her office a table of those fees, according to this chapter, for the inspection of all persons who have business in his or her office. The schedule must not be printed in smaller than 1/2-inch type. A notary public shall not charge fees unless the notary public has published and set up a table of fees in accordance with this subsection” (NRS 240.110). “If you don’t charge fees, you don’t have to post the fees” (website, “FAQs”). Wedding Fees “A notary public may only charge the fee set forth in NRS 240.100 for performing a marriage ceremony if the notary public possesses a valid certificate to perform marriages that has been issued to the notary public pursuant to NRS 122.064” (NAC 240.320.1). Go to top. Applicable Law Uniform Electronic Transactions Act: In 2001, Nevada adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) (NRS 719.010 through 719.350), including the provision on notarization and acknowledgment. The UETA recognizes the legal validity of electronic signatures used by Notaries: “If a law requires a signature or record to be notarized, acknowledged, verified or made under oath, the requirement is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform those acts, together with all other information required to be included by other applicable law, is attached to or logically associated with the signature or record” (NRS 719.280). Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act: Nevada enacted the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act (NRS 111.366 through 111.3697) and clarified that an image of a seal is not required on an electronic real property document: “A physical or electronic image of a stamp impression or seal need not accompany an electronic signature” (NRS 111.3685.3). Electronic Notarization Enabling Act: Effective July 1, 2009, Nevada enacted the Electronic Notary Public Authorization Act (NRS 240.181 through 240.206). Effective July 1, 2018, the Act was renamed the Electronic Notarization Enabling Act. This Act regulates Electronic Notaries and Online Notaries in the state. These provisions are summarized below Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 240: Effective December 14, 2018, the Secretary of State promulgated temporary regulations to implement the Electronic Notarization Enabling Act. These regulations are summarized below. Definitions “‘Electronic notarial act’ means an act that an electronic notary public of this State is authorized to perform. The term includes: “1. Taking an acknowledgment; “2. Administering an oath or affirmation; “3. Executing a jurat; “4. Certifying a true and correct copy; and “5. Performing such other duties as may be prescribed by a specific statute” (NRS 240.185). “‘Electronic notarial certificate’ means the portion of an electronically notarized electronic document that is completed by an electronic notary public and that bears the notary public’s electronic signature, electronic seal and certification language as provided by Nevada law” (NAC 240 Sec. 3). “‘Electronic notarization solution’ means a set of applications, programs, hardware, software or technology designed to enable the performance of an electronic notarial act” (NAC 240 Sec. 4). “‘Electronic notary public’ means a person registered with the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 240.181 to 240.206, inclusive, to perform electronic notarial acts” (NRS 240.186). “‘Electronic seal’ means information within a notarized electronic document that includes the name, jurisdiction and expiration date of the registration of an electronic notary public and generally includes the information required to be set forth in a mechanical stamp pursuant to NRS 240.040 (NRS 240.187). ELECTRONIC NOTARIAL ACTS “‘Solution provider’ means a third-party vendor providing a software solution or other service enabling a Nevada electronic notary public to perform his or her duties or complete an electronic notarial act” (NAC 240 Sec. 10). “‘Tamper-evident’ means that any change to an electronic document shall display evidence of the change” (NAC 240 Sec. 11). Registration “1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, each person registering as an electronic notary public must: “(a) At the time of registration, be a notarial officer in this State who has complied with the requirements pertaining to taking an oath and filing a bond set forth in NRS 240.030 and 240.033 and have complied with all applicable notarial requirements set forth in this chapter; “(b) Register with the Secretary of State by submitting an electronic registration pursuant to subsection 2; “(c) Pay to the Secretary of State a registration fee of $50, which is in addition to the application fee required pursuant to NRS 240.030 to be a notarial officer in this State; and “(d) Submit to the Secretary of State with the registration proof satisfactory to the Secretary of State that the registrant has: “(1) Successfully completed any required course of study on electronic notarization provided pursuant to NRS 240.195; and “(2) Complied with the requirements pertaining to taking an oath and filing a bond set forth in NRS 240.030 and 240.033. “2. Unless the Secretary of State establishes a different process for submitting a registration as an electronic notary public, the registration as an electronic notary public must be submitted as an electronic document by electronic email to nvnotary@sos.nv.gov or, if another electronic mail address is designated by the Secretary of State, to such other designated electronic mail address, and must contain, without limitation, the following information: “(a) All information required to be included in an application for appointment as a notary public pursuant to NRS 240.030. “(b) A description of the technology or device that the registrant intends to use to create his or her electronic signature in performing electronic notarial acts. “(c) The electronic signature of the registrant. “(d) Any other information required pursuant to any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State. “3. Unless the Secretary of State establishes a different process for the payment of the registration fee required pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 1, the registration fee must be paid by check or draft, made payable to the Secretary of State and transmitted to the Office of the Secretary of State. “4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, registration as an electronic notary public shall be deemed effective upon the payment of the registration fee required pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 1 if the registrant has satisfied all other applicable requirements. “5. The Secretary of State may establish a process for a person to simultaneously apply for appointment as a notary public and register as an electronic notary public. If the Secretary of State establishes such a process, registration as an electronic notary public shall be deemed effective upon the person complying with: “(a) The requirements pertaining to taking an oath and filing a bond set forth in NRS 240.030 and 240.033 and with all other applicable notarial requirements set forth in this chapter; and “(b) The requirements set forth in this section to register as an electronic notary. (NRS 240.192). “In addition to the provisions of NRS 240.192, a registration as an electronic notary public shall include: “1. The notary public’s commission number as assigned by the Secretary of State; “2. The name of the solution provider(s) whose platform or product the notary public intends to use to perform electronic notarization; “3. A copy of the notary public’s electronic seal and electronic signature which is an exact representation of the signature on file with the Secretary of State; and “4. A statement certifying that the notary public will comply with the provisions of this Chapter and NRS Chapter 240” (NAC 240 Sec. 14). “A registrant for registration as an electronic notary public must provide the electronic signature required by NRS 240.192(2)(c) in a file format that can be read without the need for additional software and that can be compared to the exemplar of the electronic notary public’s holographic (handwritten) signature on file with the Secretary of State for authentication purposes” (NAC 240 Sec. 29). “A notary public whose registration as an electronic notary public has been approved by the Secretary of State will retain the commission number related to the notary public’s underlying commission” (NAC 240 Sec. 31). Course: “1. In addition to any courses of study a notary public is required to complete pursuant to NRS 240.018, the Secretary of State may, by rule or regulation, require a notary public who registers with the Secretary of State as an electronic notary public pursuant to NRS 240.192 to complete an additional course of study on electronic notarization in accordance with this section. “2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a registrant for appointment as an electronic notary public must successfully: “(a) Complete any course of study on electronic notarization that is required pursuant to subsection 1 in accordance with the requirements of subsection 6; and “(b) Pass an examination at the completion of the course. “3. The following persons are required to enroll in and successfully complete any course of study on electronic notarization that is required pursuant to subsection 1: “(a) A person registering for the first time as an electronic notary public; “(b) A person renewing his or her registration as an electronic notary public; and “(c) A person who has committed a violation of this chapter or whose registration or an electronic notary public has been suspended, and who has been required by the Secretary of State to enroll in a course of study provided pursuant to this section. “4. A course of study required to be completed pursuant to subsection 1 must: “(a) Be taken online and be of a duration of not more than 3 hours, including instruction and completion of an examination of the course content; “(b) Provide instruction in electronic notarization, including, without limitation, notarial law and ethics, technology and procedures; “(c) Comply with any regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 240.206 relating to course of study on electronic notarization; and “(d) Be approved by the Secretary of State. “5. The Secretary of State may, with respect to a course of study required to be completed pursuant to subsection 1, charge a reasonable fee to each person who enrolls in such a course of study. “6. A course of study provided pursuant to this section: “(a) Must satisfy the criteria set forth in subsection 4 and comply with any requirements set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 240.206 relating to course of study on electronic notarization. “(b) May be provided by the Secretary of State or a vendor approved by the Secretary of State. “7. The Secretary of State shall deposit the fees collected pursuant to subsection 5 in the Notary Public Training Account created pursuant to NRS 240.018” (NRS 240.195). “An applicant for registration as an electronic notary public who is required pursuant to NRS 240.1943 to enroll in and successfully complete a course of study for the mandatory training of electronic notaries public must include with his or her registration as an electronic notary public a certificate of successful completion of such a course. A certificate of successful completion for the mandatory training of electronic notaries public is valid for 90 days after the date of its issuance” (NAC 240.270.3). Term: “The period of registration as an Electronic Notary is coterminous with his or her term of appointment as a notary public pursuant to NRS 240.010” (NRS 240.194.1). “The registration of an electronic notary public is suspended by operation of law when the electronic notary public is no longer appointed as a notary public in this State. If the registration of an electronic notary public has expired or been revoked or suspended, the Secretary of State shall immediately notify the electronic notary public in writing that his or her registration as an electronic notary public will be suspended by operation of law until he or she is appointed as a notary public in this State” (NRS 240.194.2). Renewal: “Registration as an electronic notary public must be renewed at the same time a person renews his or her appointment as a notary public” (NRS 240.194.1). Change of Name, Address or Technology: “If, at any time during his or her appointment, an, a registered electronic notary public changes his or her electronic mail address, county of residence, name, electronic signature or the technology or device used to create his or her electronic signature, the electronic notary public shall, within 10 days after making the change, submit to the Secretary of State: “(a) An electronic document, signed with the electronic signature submitted by the electronic notary public pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 240.192, that includes the change of information; and “(b) A fee of $10” (NRS 240.194.3). Termination of Resignation or Death of Notary: “1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, if an electronic notary public dies during his or her period of registration, or if the registration of the electronic notary public is surrendered or revoked or expires, the electronic notary public, the executor of his or her estate or an authorized representative of the electronic notary public, as appropriate, shall: “(a) Notify the Secretary of State of the resignation or death; and “(b) Erase, delete, destroy or otherwise render ineffective the technology or device used to create his or her electronic signature. “2. Upon receipt of the notice required by subsection 1, the Secretary of State shall cancel the registration of the electronic notary public, effective on the date on which the notice was received. “3. A former electronic notary public whose previous registration as an electronic notary public was not revoked and whose previous registration as an electronic notary public was not denied is not required to erase, delete, destroy or otherwise render ineffective the technology or device used to create his or her electronic signature if the former electronic notary public renews his or her registration, using the same electronic signature, within 3 months after the expiration of his or her previous registration as an electronic notary public” (NRS 240.203). Authorized Acts “‘Electronic notarial act’ means an act that an electronic notary public of this State is authorized to perform. The term includes: “1. Taking an acknowledgment; “2. Administering an oath or affirmation; “3. Executing a jurat; “4. Certifying a true and correct copy; and “5. Performing such other duties as may be prescribed by a specific statute” (NRS 240.185; see also NRS 240.196). Unauthorized Acts and Transactions “Except as otherwise specifically provided by law… An electronic notary public shall not willfully electronically notarize the signature or electronic signature of a person unless the person is in the presence of the electronic notary public at the time of notarization and: “(a) Is known to the electronic notary public; or “(b) If unknown to the electronic notary public, provides a credible witness or documentary evidence of identification to the electronic notary public” (NRS 240.198.1). “Registration as an electronic notary public pursuant to NRS 240.181 to 240.206, inclusive, does not authorize the electronic notary public to perform notarial acts in another state” (NRS 240.198.3). Notary Statutes Apply An Electronic Notary must comply with all provisions in NRS Chapter 240 that pertain to Notaries Public (NRS 240.189). “The penalties, prohibitions, liabilities, sanctions and remedies for the improper performance of electronic notarial acts are the same as provided by law for the improper performance of non-electronic notarial acts” (NAC 240 Sec. 50). Authentication The Nevada Secretary of State must issue a certificate of authentication or apostille, as appropriate, certifying that an Electronic Notary’s signature is genuine and that the Electronic Notary holds an appointment to perform electronic notarial acts (NRS 240.205). Approval of Technology of Device The Electronic Notary Public Enabling Act requires the Nevada Secretary of State to approve the technology or device used by an Electronic Notary to create his or her electronic signature and Sections 21-24 of the temporary electronic notarization rules prescribe the requirements for technology providers. Electronic Signature and Seal “The electronic seal used by an electronic notary public affixed to an electronic document during an electronic notarial act must include information required in NRS 240.040 and shall generally conform to the size and other requirements of a seal used by a traditional notary except: “1. That once the electronic seal, electronic signature and electronic notarial certificate are affixed and the electronic notarial act is complete, the document is rendered tamper-evident; and “2. If the electronic notarial act is performed by audio-video communication, a statement that the electronic notarial act was performed by means of audio-video communication and substantially conforming to ‘Notarial act performed by audio-video communication’ must appear adjacent to the stamp or in the notarial certificate” (NAC 240 Sec. 40) Exclusive Use of Electronic Signature, Seal: “The electronic signature and electronic seal of an electronic notary public must be used only for the purposes of performing electronic notarial acts” (NRS 240.202[1]). Compromise of Electronic Signature: “An electronic notary public shall take reasonable steps to maintain the technology or device used to create his or her electronic signature, and to ensure that the technology or device has not been recalled, revoked, terminated or otherwise rendered ineffective or unsecure by the entity that created the technology or device. Upon learning that the technology or device used to create his or her electronic signature has been rendered ineffective or unsecure, an electronic notary public shall cease performing electronic notarial acts until: “(a) A new technology or device is acquired; and “(b) The electronic notary public sends an electronic notice to the Secretary of State that includes the electronic signature of the electronic notary public required pursuant to paragraph (e) of subsection 2 of NRS 240.192” (NRS 240.202.3). Safeguarding Electronic Signature, Seal, and Records: “An electronic notary public shall safeguard his or her electronic signature, the electronic seal and all notarial records maintained by the electronic notary public as follows: “(a) When not in use, the electronic notary public shall keep the electronic signature, electronic seal and all notarial records secure, under the exclusive control of the electronic notary public and protected by a password where applicable. “(b) An electronic notary public shall not permit his or her electronic signature or electronic seal to be used by any other person. “(c) An electronic notary public shall not surrender or destroy his or her notarial records except as otherwise required by the order of a court or as allowed pursuant to NRS 240.001 to 240.206, inclusive, or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto” (NRS 240.202.2). Lost, Stolen Electronic Signature and Seal: “Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, an electronic notary public, within 10 days after discovering that his or her electronic signature or electronic seal has been stolen, lost, damaged or otherwise rendered incapable of affixing a legible image, shall: “(1) Inform the appropriate law enforcement agency in the case of theft or vandalism; and “(2) Notify the Secretary of State and the entity from which the electronic notary public obtained the electronic signature or electronic seal in writing, including, without limitation, a signature using the name on the certificate of appointment issued pursuant to subsection 5 of NRS 240.192” (NRS 240.202.2[d]). Digital Signature as Acknowledgment “The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations regarding digital signatures, including, without limitation, regulations pertaining to … the use of a digital signature as an acknowledgment, as that term is defined in NRS 240.002 …” (NRS 720.150.5). “1. Except as otherwise provided by specific statute, regulation or contract, a digital signature that is verifiable with reference to the public key set forth in a valid certificate shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements for an acknowledgment, regardless of whether the person who executed the digital signature appeared before the certification authority or a person who is authorized to take acknowledgments in this state, if: “(a) The digitally signed message includes a statement that the digital signature is intended as an acknowledgment; “(b) The digital signature is verified by the public key set forth in the certificate; “(c) The certificate was a valid certificate when the digital signature was affixed; and “(d) The certificate provides that the digital signature satisfies the requirements for an acknowledgment. “2. If a certificate provides that a digital signature satisfies the requirements for an acknowledgment, the certification authority who issued the certificate is liable for the digital signature to the same extent as if the certification authority was a notary public who had acknowledged the signature, except that his or her liability must not exceed any recommended limit of reliance set forth in the certificate. No certification authority may waive, disclaim or otherwise limit by agreement the provisions of this subsection. “3. As used in this section, ‘acknowledgment’ has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 240.002” (NAC 720.770). Go to top. Applicable Law Electronic Notarization Enabling Act: The Electronic Notarization Enabling Act regulates Online Notaries in Nevada. These provisions are summarized below Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 240: Effective December 14, 2018, the Secretary of State promulgated temporary regulations to implement the Electronic Notarization Enabling Act. These regulations are summarized below. REMOTE NOTARIAL ACTS Definitions “‘Audio-video communication’ means communication by which a person is able to see, hear and communicate with another person in real time using electronic means” (NRS 240.1821). “‘Credential’ means a tangible record evidencing the identity of a person” (NRS 240.1823). “‘Credential’ includes a government-issued card or other document issued as a means of identifying the principal that complies with NRS 240.1655 and that contains the photograph and signature of the principal” (NAC 240 Sec. 12). “‘Dynamic knowledge-based authentication assessment’ means an identity assessment that is based on a set of questions formulated from public or private data sources for which the person taking the assessment has not previously provided an answer and that meets any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State” (NRS 240.1825). “‘Identity proofing’ means a process or a service operating according to this chapter through which a third person or party affirms the identity of the principal through a review of personal information from public or proprietary data sources” (NAC 240 Sec. 6). “‘In the presence of’ or ‘appear before’ means being: “1. In the same physical location as another person and close enough to see, hear, communicate with and exchange credentials with that person; or “2. In a different physical location from another person but able to see, hear and communicate with the person by means of audio-video communication that meets any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State” (NRS 240.1882). Registration “Before an electronic notary public performs electronic notarial acts using audio-video communication, he or she must register with the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 240.192 and identify the technology that the electronic notary public intends to use, which must conform to any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State” (NRS 240.1991.2). Technology Systems Approval of Systems: Required. “A person may not perform an electronic notarial act, including, without limitation, an electronic notarial act performed using audio-video communication, unless the Secretary of State has approved the registration of the person as an electronic notary public pursuant to NAC 240.658 and the registration is in active status” (NAC 240.645.1). Registration of System Providers: The Nevada Administrative Code provides rules for registration as a technology system provider (NAC 240.700.1 240.720 and 240.722). The system’s capability to provide identity proofing must be approved by the Secretary. Listing of System Providers. The Secretary of State maintains a listing of technology system providers whose systems are approved for use by Nevada Notaries (website, “Electronic Notary Solution Provider Information”). Requirements for Audio-Video Communication “If an electronic notarial act is performed using audio-video communication: “(a) The technology used must allow the persons communicating to see and speak to each other simultaneously; “(b) The signal transmission must be in real time; and “(c) The electronic notarial act must be recorded in accordance with NRS 240.1995” (NRS 240.1991[3]). “‘Real time’ means the actual span of uninterrupted, simultaneous communication during which all parts of an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication occur” (NAC 240 Sec. 8). Location of Signer “1. An electronic notary public may perform an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication in accordance with NRS 240.181 to 240.206, inclusive, and any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State for a person who is physically located: “(a) In this State; “(b) Outside this State but within the United States; or “(c) Outside the United States if: “(1) The electronic notary public has no actual knowledge of the electronic notarial act being prohibited in the jurisdiction in which the person is physically located; and “(2) The person placing his or her electronic signature on the electronic document confirms to the electronic notary public that the requested electronic notarial act and the electronic document: “(I) Are part of or pertain to a matter that is to be filed with or is currently before a court, governmental entity or other entity in the United States; “(II) Relate to property located in the United States; or “(III) Relate to a transaction substantially connected to the United States. “2. An electronic notary public who is registered with the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 240.192 may perform an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication in accordance with NRS 240.181 to 240.206, inclusive, and any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State if the electronic notary public is physically present in this State at the time of performing the electronic notarial act, regardless of whether the person who placed the electronic signature on the electronic document is physically located in another jurisdiction at the time of the electronic notarial act. The validity of the notarial act will be determined by applying the laws of this State” (NRS 240.1993). Identification of Signer “1. For the purposes of performing an electronic notarial act for a person using audio-video communication, an electronic notary public has satisfactory or documentary evidence of the identity of the person if the electronic notary public confirms the identity of the person by: “(a) Personal knowledge; “(b) Each of the following: “(1) Remote presentation by the person of a government-issued identification credential that contains a photograph and the signature of the person; “(2) Credential analysis of the government-issued identification credential and the data thereon; and “(3) A dynamic knowledge-based authentication assessment; “(c) Any other method that complies with any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State; or “(d) A valid certificate that complies with any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State. “2. As used in this section: “(a) “Certificate” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 720.030. “(b) “Credential analysis” means a process or service that complies with any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State through which a third party affirms the validity of a government-issued identification credential or any data thereon through the review of data sources. “(c) “Remote presentation” means the transmission of a quality image of a government-issued identification credential to an electronic notary public through communication technology for the purpose of enabling the electronic notary public to identify the person appearing before the electronic notary public and to perform a credential analysis” (NRS 240.1997). Credential Analysis: “Credential analysis must be provided by a reputable third-party vendor or software tool that can demonstrate proven credential analysis processes and shall employ at a minimum technology that provides the following: “1. The credential must pass an authenticity test, consistent with sound commercial practices that: “a. Use appropriate technologies to confirm the integrity of visual, physical or cryptographic security features; “b. Use appropriate technologies to confirm that the credential is not fraudulent or inappropriately modified; “c. Use information held or published by the issuing source or authoritative source(s), as available, to confirm the validity of credential details; and “2. Provide the output of the authenticity test to the electronic notary public. The credential analysis procedure must enable the electronic notary public to visually compare the following for consistency; “a. The information and photograph on the presented credential image; and “b. The principal as viewed by the electronic notary public in real-time through audio-video communication” (NAC 240 Sec. 35). “If the electronic notary public is unable to validate a presented credential of the principal, or to match the principal’s physical features with the credential, the electronic notary public shall not complete the electronic notarial act. No further attempt may be made by that notary or solution provider to complete the notarial act using audio-video communication using that credential” (NAC 240 Sec. 36). Dynamic Knowledge-Based Authentication: “Dynamic knowledge-based authentication procedure must meet the following requirements: “1. Each principal must answer questions and achieve a passing score. The procedure must include: “a. Five questions, drawn from public or private data sources. “b. A minimum of five possible answer choices per question. “c. Require that 80% of the questions are correctly answered within two minutes by the principal; “2. Require that if the principal does not correctly answer 80% of the questions that: “a. The principal may make an additional two attempts with the same electronic notary public within a 48-hour period; “b. If the principal retakes the quiz an additional time within the 48-hour period, 40% (two) of the prior questions must be replaced. “3. Confirm affirmatively that that (sic) the principal has or has not correctly answered the questions; and “4. Keep the questions asked and responses of the knowledge-based authentication confidential” (NAC 240 Sec. 37). “An electronic notary public may satisfy NRS 240.1997(l)(b)(2) by utilizing a solution provider approved by the Secretary of State to verify the identity of the principal for whom an electronic notarial act by audio-video communication is performed. The solution must meet or exceed the accuracy of identity verifications conducted through a dynamic knowledge-based authentication assessment” (NAC 240 Sec. 38). Exiting the Workflow: “If the principal or electronic notary public must exit the audio-video communication session, the audio-video communication link is broken, or the resolution or quality of the transmission becomes such that the electronic notary public believes the process has been compromised and cannot be completed, the identity authentication process and any incomplete electronic notarial acts must be started from the beginning” (NAC 240 Sec. 20). Identification of Record “A Nevada electronic notary public performing an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication must be able to …[i]dentify the document as the same document in which the principal executed the signature” (NAC 240 Sec. 16). Evidence of Electronic Notarial Act “1. An electronic notarial act must be evidenced by the following, which must be attached to or logically associated with the electronic document that is the subject of the electronic notarial act and which must be immediately perceptible and reproducible: “(a) The electronic signature of the electronic notary public; “(b) The electronic seal of the electronic notary public; and “(c) The wording of a notarial certificate pursuant to NRS 240.1655, 240.166 to 240.167, inclusive, 240.1685 or 240.169, including, without limitation, language explicitly stating that the notarial act was performed using audio-video communication, if applicable. “2. Upon the completion of an electronic notarial act in accordance with subsection 1, an electronic notary public shall use technology to render the electronic document tamper-evident” (NRS 240.199). Journal and Recording For the requirements of keeping a journal and a recording of a remote online notarial act, see “Records of Notarial Acts,” above. Fees For the maximum fees and ancillary fees that an electronic Notary may charge, see “Fees For Notarial Acts,” above. Prohibited Acts “In addition to the prohibited acts provided by NRS 240.075, an electronic notary public shall not: “1. Perform an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication while the electronic notary public is outside Nevada; “2. Fail to record and/or properly store the recording of the electronic notarial act performed using audio-video communication; “3. Use an invalid electronic seal or digital certificate in the performance of an electronic notarial act; “4. Fail to report a change in electronic seal or digital certificate; “5. Use the electronic notary public’s electronic signature and electronic seal together, or the electronic seal, except in the performance of an electronic notarial act; “6. Allow unauthorized access to the electronic notary journal, electronic signature, digital certificate or to the solution used to perform electronic notarial acts; or “7. Violate any other requirement of this chapter and NRS Chapter 240 pertaining to the performance of an electronic notarial act” (NAC 240 Sec. 49). Go to top. Notary Signing Agents Nevada does not have statutes, rules, or guidelines regulating Notary Signing Agents within the state. Recording Requirements Acknowledgment: Every conveyance in writing whereby any real property is conveyed or may be affected must be acknowledged or proved and certified in the manner provided in this chapter and in NRS 240.161 to 240.169, inclusive” (NRS 111.240). Certificate, Signature, and Seal: “[A] certificate of the acknowledgment of any conveyance or other instrument in any way affecting the title to real or personal property, or the proof of the execution thereof,… signed by the person taking the same, and under the seal or stamp of that person, if the person is required by law to have a seal or stamp, entitles the conveyance or instrument, with the certificate or certificates, to be recorded in the office of the recorder of any county in this state. Document Formatting: “Except as otherwise provided in this section, … a document, except a map, certificate or affidavit of death, military discharge or document regarding taxes that is issued by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Department of the Treasury, that is submitted for recording must be on a form authorized by NRS 104.9521 for the type of filing or must: “(a) Be on white, 20-pound paper that is 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches in size. “(b) Have a margin of 1 inch on the left and right sides and at the bottom of each page. “(c) Have a space of 3 inches by 3 inches at the upper right corner of the first page and have a margin of 1 inch at the top of each succeeding page. “(d) Not be on sheets of paper that are bound together at the side, top or bottom. “(e) Not contain printed material on more than one side of each page. “(f) Not have any documents or other materials physically attached to the paper. “(g) Not contain: “(1) Colored markings to highlight text or any other part of the document; “(2) A stamp or seal that overlaps with text or a signature on the document, except in the case of a validated stamp or seal of a professional engineer or land surveyor who is licensed pursuant to chapter 625 of NRS; “(3) Text that is smaller than a 10-point Times New Roman font and is printed in any ink other than black; or “(4) More than nine lines of text per vertical inch” (NRS 240.110.3) Legibility: “Except as otherwise provided in NRS 247.145, each county recorder shall, upon the payment of the prescribed statutory fees, record separately, in a manner which will allow a legible copy to be made…” (NRS 247.120.1). Go to top. Notarial Acts in Nevada “1. A notarial act may be performed within this State by the following persons: “(a) A notary public of this State; “(b) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of any court of this State; “(c) A justice of the peace; “(d) Any other person authorized to perform the specific act by the law of this State; or “(e) A person authorized to perform the specific act by the law of a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation. “2. Notarial acts performed within this State under federal authority as provided in NRS 240.1645 have the same effect as if performed by a notarial officer of this State. “3. The signature and title of a person performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the person holds the designated title” (NRS 240.1635). Court Reporters: A law that took effect July 1, 2007, gives Nevada court reporters automatic power to administer oaths and affirmations in the course of taking depositions without the need to apply for an appointment as a limited-power Notary, as was the case prior to that date REAL ESTATE PRACTICES RECOGNITION OF NOTARIAL ACTS (NRS 656.315). All such limited-power Notary appointments became null and void on the law’s effective date. The powers of these former Notaries had been limited solely to administering oaths and affirmations; they did not have to post a bond or keep a journal. Notarial Acts in U.S. State or Jurisdiction “1. A notarial act has the same effect under the law of this State as if performed by a notarial officer of this State, if performed in another state, commonwealth, territory, district or possession of the United States by any of the following persons: “(a) A notary public of that jurisdiction; “(b) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court of that jurisdiction; or “(c) Any other person authorized by the law of that jurisdiction to perform notarial acts. “2. Notarial acts performed in other jurisdictions of the United States under federal authority as provided in NRS 240.1645 have the same effect as if performed by a notarial officer of this State. “3. The signature and title of a person performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the person holds the designated title. “4. The signature and indicated title of an officer listed in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection 1 conclusively establish the authority of a holder of that title to perform a notarial act” (NRS 240.164). Notarial Acts Under Federal Authority “1. A notarial act has the same effect under the law of this State as if performed by a notarial officer of this State if performed anywhere by any of the following persons under authority granted by the law of the United States: “(a) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court; “(b) A commissioned officer on active duty in the military service of the United States; “(c) An officer of the foreign service or consular officer of the United States; or “(d) Any other person authorized by federal law to perform notarial acts. “2. The signature and title of a person performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the person holds the designated title. “3. The signature and indicated title of an officer listed in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection 1 conclusively establish the authority of a holder of that title to perform a notarial act” (NRS 240.1645). Notarial Acts in Foreign Country “1. A notarial act has the same effect under the law of this State as if performed by a notarial officer of this State if performed within the jurisdiction of and under authority of a foreign nation or its constituent units or a multinational or international organization by the following persons: “(a) A notary public; “(b) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court of record; “(c) A person authorized by the law of that jurisdiction to perform notarial acts; “(d) A person authorized by federal law to perform notarial acts; or “(e) A person authorized by the law of a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation to perform notarial acts. “2. A certificate by an officer of the foreign service or consular officer of the United States stationed in the nation under the jurisdiction of which the notarial act was performed, or a certificate by an officer of the foreign service or consular officer of that nation stationed in the United States, conclusively establishes a matter relating to the authenticity or validity of the notarial act set forth in the certificate. “3. An official stamp or seal of the person performing the notarial act is prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the person holds the indicated title. “4. An official stamp or seal of an officer listed in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection 1 is prima facie evidence that a person with the indicated title has authority to perform notarial acts. “5. If the title of office and indication of authority to perform notarial acts appears either in a digest of foreign law or in a list customarily used as a source for that information, the authority of an officer with that title to perform notarial acts is conclusively established” (NRS 240.165). Go to top. Secretary of State Authenticating certificates for Notaries, including apostilles, are issued only by the Nevada Secretary of State’s office (NRS 240.1657[1]). Improper Acts: “The Secretary of State shall not issue an authentication … if: “(a) The document has not been notarized in accordance with the provisions of [Chapter 240]; “(b) The Secretary of State has reasonable cause to believe that the document may be used to accomplish any fraudulent, criminal or other unlawful purpose; or “(c) The request to issue an authentication does not include a statement, in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State and signed under penalty of perjury, that the document for which the authentication is requested will not be used to: “(1) Harass a person; or “(2) Accomplish any fraudulent, criminal or other unlawful purpose” (NRS 240.1657.2). Fees: There is a fee of $20 per certification or apostille (NRS 240.1657[1]). In addition to the standard fee, fees for expedited service per Notary name are as follows: $75 for 24-hour expedite (1-100 documents); $125 for 4-hour expedite (1-100 documents); $500 for 2-hour expedite; and $1,000 for 1-hour expedite. Address: Office of Secretary of State 202 N. Carson St. Carson City, NV 89701 Telephone: 1-775-684-5708 Las Vegas Address: Office of Secretary of State 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Suite 400 North Las Vegas, NV 89030 Telephone: 1-702-486-2880 Procedure: Persons requiring authenticating certificates must complete and print out an “Apostille/Certification Order Form,” downloadable from the website. The form contains a statement that must be signed under penalty of perjury by the individual submitting the request, stating that the document for which authentication or certification is requested will not be used to harass a person or accomplish any fraudulent, criminal or other unlawful purpose. Requests may be mailed or presented in person with the original notarized document and fee. Payment by credit card requires completion of a “Credit Card Checklist,” also downloadable from the website. “It is necessary to provide an email address, a return address or self-addressed, stamped envelope AND the name of the country in which the Apostille/Certification will be used... All documents are returned by First Class Mail, regardless if the document is expedited. If you would like your documents returned using a special handling company please include a pre-paid self-addressed mailing envelope …” (website, “Apostille”). Standard requests may take 10-14 days to process. See “Fees” above for expedited service options.

Requirements for Notary Public Commission Appointments For New and Renewing Notaries Public ________________________________________________________________________________________ Before You Complete an "Application for Appointment as a Notary Public" you will need to: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Enter into a Bond to the State of Nevada in the sum of $10,000: Contact a surety bonding company authorized to do business in Nevada for information on cost and how to obtain a surety bond. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Take and subscribe to the oath set forth in Section 2 of Article 15 of the Constitution of the State of Nevada: This can be completed at the same time as the next step “Obtain a Filing Notice”. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Obtain a Filing Notice by Filing your Bond with the Office of the County Clerk (Click Here to See an Example of a Filing Notice) If you are a Resident of Nevada, please file and record the bond in the office of the county clerk of the county in which you reside. If you are a Resident of an Adjoining State, please file with the clerk of the county in this State in which you maintain a place of business or are employed. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Complete the Notary Public Training Course The course consists of the Notary Public Course and the Notary Public Commission Exam This course can be found at: https://training.nvsos-training.com/ From the Course Catalog please, enroll in: (Commission Course) State of Nevada - Notary Public Course When you ready to take the exam, enroll in: (Commission Course) State of Nevada - Notary Public Exam - You will need to complete the Training Course and Pass the Exam - You will need to record a passing score to be appointed as a Notary Public - If you fail the Exam, you will need to wait 24 hours to record another score - You will need to retake the Course and Exam every time you renew ________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Completing Your Application for Appointment as a Notary Public After you have Entered into a Bond, Obtained a Filing Notice, and Completed the Notary Public Training Course ___________________________________________________________________________________ Steps to complete your Application for Appointment as a Notary Public: 1. Login to your account on SilverFlume: https://www.nvsilverflume.gov/home New Notary Public Applicants will need to create an account 2. Under the “OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES” select the “Notary” link 3. Under the "NOTARY" dropdown select either: "RENEWAL APPOINTMENT & TRAINING FEE" or “APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT & TRAINING FEE” 4. If you are completing a RENEWAL APPOINTMENT please use the search tool to find your profile When using the search Less is More Please first attempt your Last Name only or your Last Name with your first initial. After you have located your profile, select Next 5. Complete the Notary Commission Information Section Please note: Confidential Address Program is a state program you must be registered with before using. Do not select this if you are not currently a participant in the Program For "RENEWAL APPOINTMENT” Please ensure you have updated you address within SilverFlume if it has changed since your last appointment. 6. When uploading Supporting Documentation Please upload your Filing Notice Issued by the Office of the County Clerk. Submitting your bond without a filing notice will cause you application to be rejected; a bond and filing notice are not the same thing Please Print Notary Application and Physically Sign the document before uploading. The use of a digital Signature will cause the application to be rejected If you are a resident of an adjoining state, you will also need to upload the addition required documents on this page https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/licensing/notary/forms-fees Uploaded Documents need to be uploaded as a PDF file type. Please convert all other Document types. 7. Review and Add to Shopping Cart Please review the entered information. Amendments to an Appointment cost $10.00 ........................................... Regular processing time is currently 2 – 3 weeks. This does not include shipping times. ........................................... If your application has been rejected, please contact by NVNOTARY@SOS.NV.GOV when submitting information and documents connected to correcting your application You do not need to pay a second time or resubmit your request for appointment ........................................... For General Qualifications Review NRS 240.015 ........................................... Sample of a (Clark County) Filing Notice Duties PrintFeedbackFont Size:+-The following is a brief description of the duties a notarial officer is authorized to conduct in the State of Nevada. Take Acknowledgments: The document signer must present the document to you, the notarial officer, and acknowledge or declare (state) that he or she previously signed the document, or the document signer can sign the document in your presence. If the document is signed in a representative capacity -- for example, the person is an officer of a corporation -- the person must declare (state) to you that he or she signed the document with proper authority and executed it as the act of the person or entity represented. The following format and wording is sufficient for an acknowledgment in an individual capacity: State of Nevada County of ________________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on ____[DATE]___ by ________[NAME OF PERSON(S)]_______. ________________________ (Notary stamp) (Signature of notarial officer) The following format and wording is sufficient for an acknowledgment containing a power of attorney: State of Nevada County of ________________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on ____[DATE]___ by ________[NAME OF PERSON RECEIVING POWER OF ATTORNEY]_______ as attorney in fact for ________[NAME OF PRINCIPAL]_______. ________________________ (Notary stamp) (Signature of notarial officer) The following format and wording is sufficient for an Acknowledgment in a Representative Capacity: State of Nevada County of ________________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on ____[DATE]___ by ________[NAME OF PERSON]_______ as _______[TYPE OF AUTHORITY]______ of ________[NAME OF PARTY WHOM THE INSTRUMENT WAS EXECUTED]_______. ________________________ (Notary stamp) (Signature of notarial officer) The following format and wording is sufficient for a Translator's Acknowledgment: I [TRANSLATOR'S NAME] certify that I am fluent in English and (translated language on document) that I am competent to perform the translation and that the above translation is the complete and accurate translation of the document entitled (document title). Signature of Translator _______________________________ State of Nevada County of ________________ This instrument was acknowledged before me on ____[DATE]___ by ________[NAME OF TRANSLATOR]_______. ________________________ (Notary stamp) (Signature of notarial officer) Certify Copies: As a notarial officer, you may photocopy most documents if it is presented to you. The following language is then attached or stamped, if you have such a stamp, to each copy The following format and wording is sufficient Certifying a Copy: State of Nevada County of ________________ I certify that this is a true and correct copy of a document in the possession of ________[NAME OF PERSON]_______ dated ______[DATE]______ . ________________________ (Notary stamp) (Signature of notarial officer) Execute a Jurat: The jurat is that part of the document, such as an affidavit or verification, in which you as a notarial officer state that it was sworn to (or affirmed) before you. You must first administer an oath by swearing in the document signer. You ask, "Do you swear that the statements in this document are true so help you God?" or "Do you affirm that the statements in this document are true". The document signer then answers, "Yes." The person then signs the document in your presence, and you complete the jurat. The following format and wording are sufficient for a verification upon oath or affirmation: State of Nevada County of ________________ Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on ____[DATE]___ by ________[NAME OF PERSON(S)]_______. ________________________ (Notary stamp) (Signature of notarial officer) Administer Oaths or Affirmations: The individual taking the oath or affirmation raises one's right hand while you, the notarial officer, state the words of the oath or affirmation. The oath taker then repeats these words back to you and the notarial officer completes the document as required. The following format and wording are sufficient for a verification upon oath or affirmation: State of Nevada County of ________________ I, ________[NAME OF PERSON]_______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Nevada against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution or law of any state notwithstanding, and that I will well and faithfully perform all the duties of the office of ________[TITLE OF OFFICE]_______, on which I am about to enter; (if an oath) so help me God; (if an affirmation) under the pains and penalties of perjury. _______________________________________________ (Signature of person taking oath or affirmation of Office) Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on ____[DATE]___ by ________[NAME OF PERSON(S)]_______. ________________________ (Notary stamp) (Signature of notarial officer) Training & Online Class Information Who is Required to Take an Online Notary Training Class? The following persons will be required to complete a notary public online class presented by the Nevada Secretary of State's Notary Division pursuant to NRS 240.018 and NRS 240.1943: Anyone applying to be a notary public or register as an electronic notary public for the first time; Anyone renewing their appointment as a notary public or renewing their registration as an electronic notary public; or Anyone renewing an appointment as a notary public, who, if during the preceding 4 years has been fined for failing to comply with a statute or regulation of the State of Nevada A Desktop PC is Recommended - Do Not Attempt Via Tablet or Phone About the Online Classes The online traditional notary training class is designed to provide a detailed explanation of the roles and responsibilities of a notary. The class will cover important topics such as: identifying document signers what a notary certificate is and how to use it earnestly which identification is valid and which is not the correct information required in your notary journal who is required to keep a journal how long you must keep a journal how to avoid fines the fee you may collect for your notary service how to calculate these fees who is responsible for the notary stamp and journal what to do if your notary stamp is lost or stolen how to avoid easy mistakes The online electronic notary training class is designed to provide a detailed explanation of the roles and responsibilities of an electronic notary whether the notarial acts are performed in-person or by means of audio-video communication. The class will cover important topics such as: identifying document signers through an electronic notary solution platform electronic notarial fees what a digital certificate is and why it is required to perform an electronic notarial act the correct information required in your electronic notary journal the requirements that must be met to perform an electronic notarial act for a document signer outside the United States by means of audio-visual communication the requirements of the electronic seal and signature what to do in the event that the electronic technology used to perform electronic notarial acts is compromised or rendered ineffective Please Note: No certificate is required or available to print after completion of the online eNotary training class and exam. Which Online Class Should I Take? If you use a mechanical stamp and a wet signature to perform notarial acts on physical documents, select the "Traditional Notary Training" class. If you use an electronic seal and electronic signature to perform electronic notarial acts on electronic documents, select the "eNotary Training" class. If you are a new or renewing traditional notary and would like to also register as an electronic notary, both classes are required. Use Google Chrome or Firefox - Internet Explorer not Recommended How to Pay for Each Class? If you are paying by check/money order for your traditional notary training class: you must submit your training class fee of $45.00 by mail. If you are paying by credit card for your traditional notary training class: you may submit your training class fee of $45.00 by mail with a Credit Card Checklist form; or you may pay your training class fee of $45.00 online via the SilverFlume portal Payment for the electronic notary training class must be made by credit card online via the SilverFlume portal Forms & Fees Notary Public Fees Notary Application $35.00 eNotary Registration $50.00 Notary Training $45.00 eNotary Training $45.00 Amendment $10.00 Duplicate Certificate $10.00 Notary Public Commission Amendment Form Request for Amended Certificate of Appointment or E-Notary Registration (PDF) For all changes to a Notary Public's Commission: Name, Address, Phone, and County Change. For requesting duplicate certificates. For reporting Lost or Stolen Notary Public Stamps, Journals, and Electronic Signature or Seal Non-Resident Notary Public Commission Forms Nonresident Notary Public Affidavits of Applicant & Affidavit of Self-Employed Applicant (PDF) Nonresident Employment Affidavits for Self-Employed Applicants. Nonresident Notary Public Affidavit of Applicant & Affidavit of Applicant’s Employer (PDF) Nonresident Employment Affidavits for Individual Employed in Nevada. Payment Forms ePayment Checklist (PDF) This form may be used to submit your notary amendments, appointment requests, and violations. Please note: the ePayment Checklist form is for counter, mail, and fax requests only. THE NOTARIAL ACT What is a notarial act? As defined in the notary statutes, a notarial act is any act that a notary public of this state is authorized to perform, including taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, executing a jurat or taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, certifying or attesting a copy, and noting a protest of a negotiable instrument (if employed by a financial institution). Are both my stamp and my signature required for a notarial act? Yes. However, you also need to complete the notarial wording. Your signature and stamp by themselves do not constitute a complete notarization. You also need to complete the notarial wording. When affixing my signature and using the stamp, how close together must they appear on the paper? No certain distance is required by law however, both must appear in the notarial wording section of the document. Use reasonable judgment. Does the document need to be signed in front of me? Yes. The statutes require that you see the signer actually sign the document when the notarial wording is that of a JURAT. In the case of an acknowledgment, the person is simply acknowledging (declaring, stating) that he or she signed the document. If you do not know the signer, he or she must present identification along with signing your journal. Do I have to know what type of document I am notarizing? Yes. The type of document is almost always described by its title e.g., affidavit, etc. This information must be entered in your journal. Can I notarize a document that is written in a foreign language? In most instances, yes. All you need is a title to put in your journal, and you can use the title the person gives you. However, you may not be able to witness a signature because you must be able to tell if that person is named in the document. If you are asked to certify a copy, you should make the photocopy yourself rather than try to compare two copies. You may need to check with an interpreter as to the type, or title, of the document. If this document is false or endorses or promotes a product, you will not know that. Finally, if the document is written in a language you can not read, you must add the notarial wording in English. What if I am asked to notarize a signature that is on a blank piece of paper (no text)? You must ask your customer to write an explanation as to why they want their signature notarized in addition to their signature. This statement may be as simple as: " I have been asked to have my signature notarized for verification" If a person needs help formulating a document, can I give advice? No. Must I be concerned with whether the form is properly filled out, as long as the notarial certificate is correct? It's not the notary's responsibility to check that the form is properly filled out, but it is the notary's responsibility to make sure the notarial wording is correct and complete. What should I do if I determine a document is forged or fraudulent? Don't notarize it. As a responsible citizen, you should also report the crime to law enforcement although nothing in the notarial law requires this. IDENTIFYING THE CLIENT Should I note which ID was used in my journal? Yes. The law requires that the notary enter into the journal a description of the evidence used to verify the identification of the signer. If a credible witness is used, that person must also sign your journal. If you personally know the document signer, write "personally known" in the proper column. How many pieces of ID should I required? As many as necessary to give you satisfactory evidence that the person whose signature is on the document is that person. One may be sufficient. If you rely on an identifying document, that document must contain a signature and a photograph of the document signer. Does a credible witness need to be present or can he or she verify identity by phone or letter? The credible witness needs to be present. Is a photo ID required? The law requires a identification card with a photo and signature of the document signer must be on the identification card. Are there any exceptions? In 1997 the law was changed regarding identification of a person who is 65 years of age or older. If such a person does not have a picture ID, the person can be identified with a card issued by a governmental agency or senior citizen center. Use this method of identification only if there is absolutely no other way to identify the document signer. Can I use an expired photo ID if the signature and photo match the person before me? The statute doesn't address expired IDs. You, the notary, have to make the determination of whether the ID presented is satisfactory or not. You must be satisfied that the person making the acknowledgment/verification is the person whose signature is on the document. How do I notarize the signature of someone who is from another country if that person's ID has been stolen? The standard for determining identity is the same. If no written ID is available, a credible witness can be used. Remember, the credible witness must be present and known to you. If I'm asked to notarize a document that is already signed, can I have the signer sign another piece of paper so I can compare the signatures? The best procedure is to have the signer sign the document again in your presence, either above or below the original signature. You need not cross out the original signature. You may also have the person sign another piece of paper so that you may compare signatures. (Remember, however, this is not necessary when taking an acknowledgment.) Can a "mark" be accepted as the individual's signature? Yes, Nevada law, NRS 52.305 (1991) states: The signature of a party, when required to a written instrument, is equally valid if the party cannot write, if: The person makes his mark; The name of the person making the mark is written near it; and The mark is witnessed by a person who writes his own name as a witness. In order that a signature by mark may be acknowledged or may serve as the signature to any sworn statement, it must be witnessed by two persons who must subscribe their own names as witnesses thereto. KEEPING THE JOURNAL Do I have to purchase a special kind of journal? If so, where? Yes, a special journal is required: one that is bound and has pre-printed pages. You may purchase one from an office supply store. May two notaries share one journal? No. Each notary is responsible for his or her own work and must be ready to stand accountable for the information entered in the journal. During what hours must my journal be open for public inspection? During the hours you would normally be at work. How public is the notary journal? Exactly who can inspect it? The journal is open to public inspection however, you should not hand over your journal for random "fishing expeditions" to anyone. The journal should be in your sole control at all times. Do I have to open my journal for public inspection when it may include confidential information such as social security numbers, account numbers, or address? The journal is open to public inspection. According to law, the only seven pieces of information that must be in the journal are: the fee charged (if any), the title of the document, the date the service was performed, the name and signature of the person whose signature is being notarized, a description of the evidence used by the notary to verify the identification of the person whose signature is being notarized, and whether an oath was administered. May I refuse to notarize for someone who refuses to sign my journal? Yes, because the notary law requires that the journal be signed. How long must I keep my journal? You must keep your journal(s) during the entire period of time for which you are a notary public in this state. After your commission(s) expire and you are no longer a notary, you must keep all your journals for an additional 7 years. If I stop being a notary or if I die, what happens to my journal? Notify the Secretary of State writing as to the location of the journal if it is within the time frame described in the previous question. After this time frame, your estate may dispose of the journal(s). The stamp must be destroyed immediately. Can I "hide" a document in my journal by giving it a false title in an effort to protect a client who does not want, for example, anyone to know he/she adopted a child? No. The title of the document and person's name is required by statute to be in your journal. Does every single transaction need to be recorded even if they are all for the same person? Yes. What does "title of the matter" mean in NRS 240.120? Would it be "acknowledgment" or "loan agreement"? It's the title of the document, so it would be "loan agreement." THE NOTARIAL STAMP May I have more than one stamp made to keep one at home and one at the office? Yes. Remember, you need your Certificate of Appointment to get a stamp according to law. How important is it that I use black ink for my stamp as opposed to some other color? The notary law states that you may use any color ink as long as it is indelible and photographically reproducible. When there is no room for the notarial certificate (such as on many DMV documents), may I attach one on another piece of paper? How should I indicate that this is what I have done? The notary stamp must be readable, and the 1997 law prohibits placing your notary stamp or your signature over printed material. However, you may use an attached sheet (known as a loose certificate). Note on the document that a notarial certificate is attached and note on the notarial certificate the kind of document to which it is attached. Keep in mind, the best place for the notary wording and your notary stamp is on the face of the document where the signature of the document signer appears. Should I keep my notary stamp locked away at all times? It's a good idea to keep your notary stamp secure at all times, whether that's locked in your desk or someplace else. CERTIFYING TO A COPY Must I see the original document when notarizing a certified copy? No, the law allows you to certify to a document presented to you. The notarial wording used to certify a copy does not indicate that you are certifying to an original document. When I am asked to "certify to a copy" of a document and I notice that the notarial stamp on the original had in fact expired before the document was notarized, can I still certify to the copy? Yes, as long as the copy is complete, accurate, and authentic. The notary does not determine the legality of any document. If I am asked to make a certified copy, but the document is in a foreign language, can I refuse to do so on the grounds that I may actually be photocopying a document that cannot be legally photocopied? Yes. However, you cannot refuse to notarize an affidavit or acknowledgment as long as all the other requirements are met. Am I able to certify a paper document is a true and correct copy of an electronic document? Yes. Chapter 240 of the NRS was amended by AB325 to include the following. Upon compliance with the requirements of NRS 240.199, the following certificate is sufficient for certifying that a paper document is a true and correct copy of an electronic document: State of Nevada County of .............................. I certify that this is a true and correct copy of an electronic document printed by me or under my supervision. I further certify that, at the time of printing, no security features present on the electronic document indicated any changes or errors in an electronic signature or other information in the electronic document since its creation or execution. Dated ...................................... (Seal, if any) (Signature of notarial officer) Is it legal to certify a copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate, or a decree of divorce, as being true and correct? No. Pursuant to NRS 440.175(2): 2. No person may prepare or issue any document which purports to be an original, certified copy, certified abstract or official copy of: (a) A certificate of birth, death or fetal death, except as authorized in this chapter or by the Board. (b) A certificate of marriage, except a county clerk, county recorder or a person so required pursuant to NRS 122.120. (c) A decree of divorce or annulment of marriage, except a county clerk or the judge of a court of record. LEGALITY Does the law require that I photocopy the document after it's notarized for my file? No, the law does not require it. Because of copyright laws, we don't recommend that you do this. What is the difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment? Are they interchangeable? No, the terms are not interchangeable. A "Jurat" is that part of a affidavit in which you, the notary, state that it was sworn to before you. "Acknowledgment" means a declaration by a person that he or she executed an instrument for the purposes stated therein and, if the instrument is executed in a representative capacity, that he or she signed the instrument with proper authority and executed it as the act of the person of entity represented and identified therein. May I notarize my own signature? No. May I notarize for a relative? You cannot notarize for your spouse or anyone to whom you are related by blood. The law addresses this complicated question in detail. Please see NRS 240.065 for specifics. What is meant by the term "executed" in NRS 240.065 and to whom does it apply? "Executed" means signed and refers to the notary. I am a loan officer and a commissioned Notary. May I notarize loan documents I create? Pursuant to NRS 240.065(1)(b), "a notary public cannot perform any act where he/she will receive directly from the transaction relating to the instrument any commission, fee, advantage, right, title, interest, property or other consideration in excess of the authorized fees." I am a registered Document Preparer and a commissioned Notary. May I notarize documents I prepare? Pursuant to NRS 240.065(1)(b), "a notary public cannot perform any act where he/she will receive directly from the transaction relating to the instrument any commission, fee, advantage, right, title, interest, property or other consideration in excess of the authorized fees." May I notarize my own work if I am a secretary? If you type a document, you may then notarize the signature as long as all legal requirements regarding ID are met. Remember, you cannot notarize your own signature. Must I determine if the person signing before me understands what he or she is signing? You are not obligated to make this determination. If you are not comfortable performing a notarial service, you may refuse (see NRS 240.060). If the document does not have the printed information for a notarial act, what wording am I allowed to type in or affix, and how do I determine which notarial act is required? See "What a Notary Does" in this handbook for suggested wording and a definition of each notarial act. On a holographic will, do the witnesses' signatures need to be notarized as well as the signer? Each state's laws regarding holographic wills are different. In Nevada, NRS 133.090(1) states that "[a] holographic will is one that is entirely written, dated and signed by the hand of the testator himself. It is subject to no other form, and may be made in or out of this state and need not be witnessed." So there are not necessarily any witnesses to a holographic will and no signatures need to be notarized in Nevada. How is a notary's signature authenticated on a document in this country? The act of authenticating a notarial officer's signature can be done only by the Secretary of State's office. You must let the individuals appearing before you know that they are responsible for sending their notarized document to the Secretary of State's office along with the appropriate fee of $20.00. The Secretary of State prepares the authentication and will then mail it and the notarized document back to the sender. How is a notarized document authenticated for use overseas? Most foreign countries insist that the notary's signature be authenticated and, again, this can only be accomplished through the Secretary of State's office. The act of authenticating the notarial officer's signature on documents going overseas is called an "Apostille" or "Certification." You must let the individuals appearing before you know that they are responsible for sending their notarized document to the Secretary of State's office along with the appropriate fee of $20.00. The Secretary of State prepares the authentication and will then mail it attached to the notarized document back to the sender. CARRYING OUT THE BUSINESS OF BEING A NOTARY After I am commissioned a notary am I required to notify the Notary Division of an address, county, signature or employment change? Yes. Per NRS 240.036 you must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of significant contact or signature information changes and submit a fee of $10.00 and a completed Request for Amended Certificate form. Failing to submit the Request for Amended Certificate in the 30 day required time period is cause for your notarial commission to be suspended. I have been a notary a while, can I shorten my signature on my notarizations from the signature on my submitted notary application, as I am a busy and need to save time? No, see above. If you change your signature from the signature that was submitted on your notary application in any way, you must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days and submit a fee of $10.00 and complete a Request for Amended Certificate form. Failing to submit the Request for Amended Certificate in the 30 day required time period is cause for your notarial commission to be suspended. Can my employer deny me the right to notarize after hours? No, your appointment belongs to you, the notary, not your employer (see NRS 240.010, 240.100(4), and 240.143). May I set aside certain hours to notarize documents for the general public and limit notarization to those hours? (Example: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. only) This is a business decision to be made by each notary. The law does not prohibit such a practice. Do I have to declare that I am a notary if a person off the street asks, "Where can I find a notary?" No. The notary law simply states that "a notary public may, during normal business hours, perform notarial acts in lawful transactions for a person who requests the act and tenders the appropriate fee" (see NRS 240.060). If I leave my current job and that employer paid for my becoming a notary, am I no longer a notary? No, you are still a notary. However, be aware that the employer may cancel your bond, and you would be required to get a new one. If you are not allowed to take your stamp with you, it must be destroyed and you can purchase a new one. The stamp, journal, and Certificate of Appointment are the property of the notary (see NRS 240.143). FEES Do I have to post the fees? If you are going to charge, you must post the fees. If you don't charge fees, you don't have to post the fees (see NRS 240.110). What may I charge? Current Fees as of July 1, 2021 (see NRS 240.100) For taking an acknowledgment, for the first signature of each signer$15.00For each additional signature of each signer$7.50For administering an oath or affirmation without a signature$7.50For certifying a copy$7.50For Executing a Jurat for each signature on the affidavit$15.00 Can I charge one person and not the next? The statute doesn't require that you charge a fee. But if you charge one person and not another, other laws such as those prohibiting discrimination may be applicable. Check with an attorney. If my employer pays for my notary appointment and equipment, who gets to keep the fees collected? The statutes state that the notary can charge a fee. The issue of who keeps the fee in this example will need to be negotiated between the notary public and their employer. As a notary, can I make a "house call" to notarize a document? Yes, but if a travel fee is going to be assessed, pursuant to NRS 240.100(3)(d)(1)(2), full disclosure of the travel fee must be made in advance of the travel, and the fee must be agreed to by the person requesting the service. All fees collected, as well as the date and time of day of travel must be recorded in the Notary Public's journal. Could you please explain the fees for "first signature" and "additional signature" in more detail? If a customer comes to a Notary Public with a document requesting a notarization of their signature, you, as the notary public may collect $15.00 for the act. However, if a customer has a document in which they have signed or will sign multiple times and they would like each signature notarized within the document, the Notary Public may charge up to $15.00 for the first signature and $7.50 for each additional signature within the same instrument. This is also true for documents with more than one signer. If two individual are signing a single document, both may be charge up to $15.00 for their first signature and $7.50 for each additional signature within that same instrument. YOUR APPOINTMENT Can another notary administer the notarial oath to swear me in--as required by NRS 240.030(1)--or must the county clerk perform this function? Another notary can administer this oath. So could the Secretary of State or a Deputy Secretary of State or another notarial officer such as a judge. Remember, the oath and bond must be filed with the county clerk of the county in which you reside. What is the oath I administer when swearing in a notary? You may use the following oath: State of Nevada County of _______________ I, ____________________, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States, and the Constitution and Government of the State of Nevada, against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution or law of any State notwithstanding, and that I will and faithfully perform all the duties of the office of Notary Public on which I am about to enter; (if an oath) so help me God; (if an affirmation) under the pains and penalties of perjury. ____________________________________ Subscribed and sworn to before me this ______________day of____________,19______ by ______(name of person making statement) ___________________________________________ Notary Public May I be appointed in more than one county in Nevada? Your appointment authorizes you to notarize anywhere in the State, and the venue will reflect the county in which the notarial act is carried out. There is no need to be appointed in more than one county. Must I transfer my bond and appointment if I move from one county to another? The law requires that you amend your appointment by notifying the Secretary of State within 30 days of changing your county of residence. Consult your insurance company for the requirements of your bond. I was recently married. Do I need to change my stamp, bond, and application on file with the Secretary of State? If you change your name, you must amend your appointment by notifying the Secretary of State. You must purchase a new stamp to reflect your changed name with the same expiration date. Consult your insurance company regarding your bond. Under what circumstances can my appointment be revoked? What are the penalties? Your notary appointment may be revoked or suspended for a period of time to be determined by the Secretary of State for misconduct, willful violation, or neglect of duty. The fines range from $200 to $2,000 and are determined according to the reason your appointment was revoked. See the statutes for specifics NRS 240.150. How does one file a complaint about a notary? Contact the Notary Division in the Secretary of State's office. Who is covered by my bond? The person who may incur a loss as a result of a notary's misconduct. This bond is not insurance for you and will not protect you from a lawsuit. You may want to purchase errors and omissions insurance. Consult an insurance agent for clarification. Questions We Haven't Answered? Please contact us: Secretary of State Notary Division 202 North Carson Street Carson City, Nevada 89701 Phone: 775-684-5708 FAX 775-684-7141 Notary Public Handbook Reporting A Notary Violation Reporting a Notary Violation Notary Violation Complaint Report NRS 240.010(7) allows for any person who is aware of a violation of NRS 240.001 to 240.206, inclusive by a notary public or a person applying for appointment as a notary public may file a complaint with the Secretary of State setting forth the details of the violation that are known by the person who is filing the complaint. To report violations related to a notary or a notarial act as described in NRS 240.001 to 240.206, inclusive: Please Complete and Sign the Nevada Secretary of State Notary Violation Complaint Report Nevada Secretary of State Notary Violation Complaint Report Please include an attached copy of the Notarial Act(s), including the Notary Public's Stamp. Please send the completed form to either of the to follow locations: Notary Section's Email: nvnotary.sos.nv.gov Notary Section's Office: Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division Attn: Notary Public Section 202 North Carson Street Carson City, Nevada 89701-420

Requirements for Electronic Notary Registration For New and Renewing Notaries Public _____________________________________________________________________________ Before You Submit an Electronic Notary Registration & Upload Your Exemplar ______________________________________________________________________________ 1 You must be a Nevada Appointed Notary Public in "Good Standing" Your electronic Notary Public Registration runs concurrently with your traditional notary commission and is dependent upon your commission being in an “ACTIVE” status. You need to be an Appointed Nevada Notary Public to register a platform for electronic notarizations. This means, when renewing your notary commission, you also need to renew your electronic notary registration for each Electronic Notary Solution Provider you choose to use. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2 You must select a Nevada Approved Electronic Notary Solution Provider To register as Electronic Notary Public, you will need to select a platform provider Approved Electronic Notary Solution Provider can be found on our website at: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/licensing/notary/electronic-notary-solution-provider-information-1678 ______________________________________________________________________________ 3 You must obtain an Exemplar from an Electronic Notary Solution Provider Your chosen provider will supply you with your Exemplar. ***Please contact your provider if you do not have your Exemplar*** Your Exemplar must includes your Signature & Electronic Seal Your Electronic Signature must match your Notary Public Application for Appointment Signature A Electronic Seal is a secure digital copy of your Notary Stamp which includes the information required to be set forth in NRS 240.040 within your Electronic Notary Solution Provider company’s template. Please do not attempt to create this yourself. ______________________________________________________________________________ 4 You must Complete the State of Nevada Electronic Notary Public Course & Exam This Course and Exam can be found at: https://training.nvsos-training.com/ If you do not have an account, you will need to create one Once in your account: From Course Catalog, enroll in 103 - State of Nevada Electronic Notary Public Course - Once you complete the Training Course you will be able to enroll in the Exam. From Course Catalog, enroll in 104 - State of Nevada Electronic Notary Public Exam - You will need to record a passing score to register your provider - If you fail the Exam, you will need to wait 24 hours to record another score - You will need to retake the Course and Exam when you renew ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Now You Are Ready To Submit an Electronic Notary Registration ______________________________________________________________________________ Submitting Your Electronic Notary Registration, Uploading an Exemplar And Paying For the Electronic Exam Once you have selected your Electronic Notary Solution Provider, have an Exemplar from you provider, and Passed Electronic Notary Public Exam... You can submit your Electronic Notary Registration and upload your Electronic Notarization Exemplar (PDF) on the SilverFlume website. ______________________________________________________________________________ I Electronic Notary Registration Steps to complete your Electronic Notary Registration: 1. Login to your account on SilverFlume: https://www.nvsilverflume.gov/home 2. Under the “OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES” select the “Notary” link 3. Under the "ELECTRONIC NOTARY" dropdown select the "ELECTRONIC NOTARY REGISTRATION" Complete process (NO UPLOADS required) through to the SilverFlume Shopping Cart - $50.00 _____________________________________________________________________________ _ II Electronic Notarization Exemplar Steps to complete your Electronic Notarization Exemplar: 1. Login to your account on SilverFlume: https://www.nvsilverflume.gov/home 2. Under the “OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES” select the “Notary” link. 3. Under the "ELECTRONIC NOTARY" dropdown menu select the "ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION EXEMPLAR". UPLOAD a PDF file of your Exemplar. Complete request through to the SilverFlume Shopping Cart - No Fee _________________________________________________________________________ _____ III Paying For the Electronic Exam Steps to pay for your Electronic Notary Exam: 1. Login to your account on SilverFlume: https://www.nvsilverflume.gov/home 2. Under the “OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES” select the “Notary” link 3. Under the "NOTARY" dropdown select the "Fee for eNotary Training or Notary Violation" Complete process (NO UPLOADS required) through to the SilverFlume Shopping Cart - $45.00 ................................................................................................................................................................................. What's Next? Once you have submitted your Electronic Notary Registration and Electronic Notarization Exemplar, the Notary Division staff will review the registration and exemplar pursuant to the qualifications outlined in NRS 240.192. If all eligibility requirements are met, you will be emailed a confirmation of the approval of your electronic notary registration and your provider will be notified of your active status. Remember! You are not authorized to perform an electronic notarization until you have received confirmation of your approval. Please note that once your registration is approved, you must continue to meet all the requirements and duties set forth in NRS 240.181 to 240.206. ENotary FAQs What is an electronic notarial act? As defined in the notary statutes, an electronic notarial act is any act that an electronic notary public of this state is authorized to perform, including taking an acknowledgment, executing a jurat or certifying a copy that is performed using electronic tools or over the internet via digital tools and a live audio-video call. Who can perform electronic notarial acts? A notary public registered with the Secretary of State's office as an electronic notary public who has paid the $50.00 registration fee and completed the electronic notary training course and exam with a score of 75% or higher. Will I be issued a new commission number for my electronic notary registration? No. You are already commissioned a traditional notary. That commission number does not change. You register as an electronic notary public which is an enhancement to your traditional commission. Can I register as an electronic notary public only? No. You must have a traditional notary commission to register as an electronic notary public. When my traditional notary public commission expires, what happens to my electronic notary public registration? It expires at the same time. The traditional notary commission and electronic notary registration run concurrently. Do I need to purchase another bond to become an electronic notary public? No. The bond that was filed with your county of residence for your traditional notary commission will also cover electronic notarial acts. What is the difference between an electronic notarial act performed in-person and an electronic notarial act performed by means of audio-video communication? The in-person electronic notarial act is the exact same process as used in the performance of a traditional notary "paper" transaction. The only difference between the two acts, is that the tools used to accomplish the transaction--the journal, seal and signature of the notary are electronic. However, the notary must still identify the principal through personal knowledge, oath of credible witness or an acceptable identifying document and record that identification process in their electronic journal. If the notary is performing an electronic notarial act by means of audio-video communication (also known as remote, online, internet or webcam notarization) there are other criteria and statutory requirements that must be met. For instance, one requirement is that the recording of the notarial act performed by means of audio-video communication must be transacted in real time with an uninterrupted simultaneous audio-video feed. To become familiar with the other statutory requirements for this type of electronic notarial act review the Electronic Notary Public Authorization Act - NRS 240.181 -240.206. and NV Administrative Code Chapter 240. Will I need to subscribe to or purchase technology to perform electronic notarial acts? Yes. For a list of state-approved electronic notary solution providers click here: Electronic Notary Solution Providers. Do travel fees outlined in statute apply to electronic notarial acts? Yes. For in-person electronic notarial acts only, and only if there is travel involved and the fees are agreed upon in advance. Electronic notarial acts performed by means of audio-video communication do not require travel. What is a digital certificate and why do I need one to perform electronic notarial acts? A digital certificate also known as a digital signature is the means by which you will sign the document. The digital certificate then attaches to the document in a manner in which the document becomes tamper evident (i.e. any subsequent changes to the document becomes apparent). Most likely, the electronic notary solution provider that you choose will direct you in how to obtain a digital certificate from a third-party vendor. What are the requirements for the electronic journal? Pursuant to NRS 240.201 an electronic notary public who performs electronic notarial acts shall: Describe each electronic notarial act in the electronic journal and specify whether the electronic notarial act was performed using audio-video communication; Maintain and protect the electronic journal at all times under his or her sole control; and provide for lawful inspection and copying of the electronic journal. An electronic notary public may maintain more than one electronic journal to record electronic notarial acts. The fact that the employer or contractor of an electronic notary public keeps a record of electronic notarial acts does not relieve the electronic notary public of the duties required by this section. An electronic journal must: Enable access by a password or other secure means of authentication; and Be capable of providing tangible or electronic copies of any entry made therein. The Secretary of State may suspend the registration of an electronic notary public who fails to produce any electronic journal entry within 10 days after receipt of a request from the Secretary of State. Can I use a paper journal to record an electronic notarial act? No. How long do I need to keep my electronic journal, the recordings from the audio-video electronic notarizations and/or other notarial records? Pursuant to NRS 240.201: Upon surrender, revocation or expiration of a registration as an electronic notary public, all notarial records required pursuant to NRS 240.001 to 240.206, inclusive, must, except as otherwise provided by law, be kept by the electronic notary public for a period of 7 years after the termination of the registration of the electronic notary public. What are the requirements for the use of audio-video communication to perform electronic notarial acts? Pursuant to NRS 240.1993: An electronic notary public may perform an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication in accordance with NRS 240.181 to 240.206, inclusive, and any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State for a person who is physically located: (a) In this State; (b) Outside this State but within the United States; or (c) Outside the United States if: (1) The electronic notary public has no actual knowledge of the electronic notarial act being prohibited in the jurisdiction in which the person is physically located; and (2) The person placing his or her electronic signature on the electronic document confirms to the electronic notary public that the requested electronic notarial act and the electronic document: (I) Are part of or pertain to a matter that is to be filed with or is currently before a court, governmental entity or other entity in the United States; (II) Relate to property located in the United States; or (III) Relate to a transaction substantially connected to the United States. An electronic notary public who is registered with the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 240.192 may perform an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication in accordance with NRS 240.181 to 240.206, inclusive, and any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State if the electronic notary public is physically present in this State at the time of performing the electronic notarial act, regardless of whether the person who placed the electronic signature on the electronic document is physically located in another jurisdiction at the time of the electronic notarial act. The validity of the notarial act will be determined by applying the laws of this State. Electronic Notary Solution Provider Information Statutes & Regulations NRS Chapter 240 - Notaries Public NV Administrative Code Chapter 240

Read about the Notary laws in your state. These State Notary Law Summaries contain indispensable reference information you need to know, including statutory requirements where applicable. The State Notary Law Summary files are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it for FREE. CHAPTER 240 - NOTARIES PUBLIC AND COMMISSIONED ABSTRACTERS NOTARIES PUBLIC General Provisions ADOPTED TEMPORARY REGULATION OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE LCB FILE NO. T003-18A (NAC Chapter 240) The following document is the adopted temporary regulation submitted by the agency submitted on 01/08/2019 2022 Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 240 - Notaries Public and Commissioned Abstracters NRS 240.030 - Application for appointment; oath and bond; fingerprints; additional requirements for resident of adjoining state; commencement of term; fee for original, duplicate or amended certificate of appointment. Universal Citation: NV Rev Stat § 240.030 (2022) 1. Each person applying for appointment as a notary public must: (a) At the time the applicant submits his or her application, pay to the Secretary of State $35. (b) Take and subscribe to the oath set forth in Section 2 of Article 15 of the Constitution of the State of Nevada as if the applicant were a public officer. (c) Submit to the Secretary of State proof satisfactory to the Secretary of State that the applicant has enrolled in and successfully completed a course of study provided pursuant to NRS 240.018. (d) Enter into a bond to the State of Nevada in the sum of $10,000, to be filed with the clerk of the county in which the applicant resides or, if the applicant is a resident of an adjoining state, with the clerk of the county in this State in which the applicant maintains a place of business or is employed. The applicant must submit to the Secretary of State a certificate issued by the appropriate county clerk which indicates that the applicant filed the bond required pursuant to this paragraph. (e) Submit to the Secretary of State a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that the applicant has not had an appointment as a notary public revoked or suspended in this State or any other state or territory of the United States. (f) If required by the Secretary of State, submit: (1) A complete set of the fingerprints of the applicant and written permission authorizing the Secretary of State to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report; and (2) A fee established by regulation of the Secretary of State which must not exceed the sum of the amounts charged by the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for processing the fingerprints. 2. In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection 1, an applicant for appointment as a notary public who resides in an adjoining state must submit to the Secretary of State with the application: (a) An affidavit setting forth the adjoining state in which the applicant resides, the applicant’s mailing address and the address of the applicant’s place of business or employment that is located within the State of Nevada; (b) A copy of the applicant’s state business license issued pursuant to chapter 76 of NRS and any business license required by the local government where the business is located, if the applicant is self-employed; and (c) Unless the applicant is self-employed, a copy of the state business license of the applicant’s employer, a copy of any business license of the applicant’s employer that is required by the local government where the business is located and an affidavit from the applicant’s employer setting forth the facts which show that the employer regularly employs the applicant at an office, business or facility which is located within the State of Nevada. 3. In completing an application, bond, oath or other document necessary to apply for appointment as a notary public, an applicant must not be required to disclose his or her residential address or telephone number on any such document which will become available to the public. 4. The bond, together with the oath, must be filed and recorded in the office of the county clerk of the county in which the applicant resides when the applicant applies for the appointment or, if the applicant is a resident of an adjoining state, with the clerk of the county in this State in which the applicant maintains a place of business or is employed. On a form provided by the Secretary of State, the county clerk shall immediately certify to the Secretary of State that the required bond and oath have been filed and recorded. Upon receipt of the application, fee and certification that the required bond and oath have been filed and recorded, the Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of appointment as a notary public to the applicant. 5. The term of a notary public commences on the effective date of the bond required pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection 1. A notary public shall not perform a notarial act after the effective date of the bond unless the notary public has been issued a certificate of appointment. 6. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Secretary of State shall charge a fee of $10 for each duplicate or amended certificate of appointment which is issued to a notary. If the notary public does not receive an original certificate of appointment, the Secretary of State shall provide a duplicate certificate of appointment without charge if the notary public requests such a duplicate within 60 days after the date on which the original certificate was issued. [2:39:1864; A 1865, 407; 1883, 82; 1949, 69; 1943 NCL § 4715] + [3:39:1864; A 1911, 361; RL § 2746; NCL § 4716]—(NRS A 1973, 386; 1979, 77; 1981, 325; 1983, 706; 1985, 1205; 1987, 1113; 1989, 148; 1995, 191, 1595; 1997, 931; 1999, 74; 2001, 652; 2007, 44, 1099; 2009, 3028; 2011, 1608; 2015, 2616)