NRS 240 Nevada Notary Law

What NRS Chapter 240 Covers

NRS Chapter 240 is the Nevada statute that governs every aspect of notary public commissions in the state. It sets the eligibility requirements, application procedures, fee limits, journal-keeping rules, and disciplinary standards that every commissioned notary must follow.

If you're pursuing a Nevada notary commission, NRS 240 is the legal backbone behind every step in the process — from your training requirement to how you stamp a document.

Key Provisions You Need to Know

Eligibility (NRS 240.015): You must be at least 18, possess your civil rights, and either reside in Nevada or reside in a bordering state (California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, or Arizona) while maintaining regular employment or a business in Nevada. Federal officeholders are disqualified.

Application and Bond (NRS 240.030): You must complete the state-approved training course, purchase a four-year $10,000 surety bond, file the bond with your county clerk and take the oath of office, then submit your application and $80 in fees ($35 application + $45 training) through the state portal.

Commission Term: Four years from the date of issuance. Nevada provides zero grace period — if your commission expires, you cannot perform notarial acts until you complete the entire commissioning cycle again, including retaking the three-hour course and exam.

Fee Limits: NRS 240.100 sets maximum fees by act, including $15 for the first acknowledgment signature and $15 for each jurat signature. Exceeding the applicable maximum can lead to discipline.

Journal Requirements (NRS 240.120): Every notary must maintain a bound physical journal with preprinted page numbers, recording the date, document title, signer's name and signature, a description of the identification evidence used, the fee charged, whether an oath was administered, and the certificate type. Journals must be retained for seven years and kept under the notary's sole control.

Seal Specifications (NRS 240.040): Your stamp must be rectangular (no larger than 1 inch by 2.5 inches), may include a border design, and show your name, "Notary Public, State of Nevada," your commission number with dashes, and the expiration date. Non-resident notaries must include "Nonresident" on the stamp.

The Code of Professional Responsibility

Assembly Bill 72 (effective January 1, 2026) authorized the Secretary of State to adopt a formal Code of Professional Responsibility for Nevada notaries. This gives the state authority to suspend or revoke commissions for willful violations of professional conduct standards — moving beyond the older system where discipline was limited to specific statutory violations.

The code formalizes expectations around competence assessment, refusal of service, and document handling that were previously informal best practices.

How NRS 240 Affects Your Daily Practice

The statute isn't just an application hurdle — it defines your ongoing obligations. The seven-year journal retention rule means you need secure, long-term storage. The statute sets maximum fees by act and specific rules for additional travel fees, so consult the current NRS 240.100 schedule before quoting a fee for a complex signing. The thumbprint requirement for documents affecting real property or powers of attorney adds an extra step that some notaries forget until they're at a signing table.

The Nevada notary commissioning guide translates the key NRS 240 provisions into actionable checklists — covering what to do before, during, and after each notarial act so you stay compliant without rereading the statute every time.

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