Nebraska Promissory Note

A secured or unsecured loan note with installment or lump-sum repayment, interest within your state's legal limit, late fees and default terms.

Free to fill & preview · $19 for the clean PDF + Word

This preview updates as you type. Blank fields show as ____ .

Nebraska rules that this document follows

Maximum interest (private loans)16% per year — 16% per year max by written contract; loans to corporations, business/agricultural loans, and loans over $25,000 secured by real estate are exempt (§ 45-101.04)Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 45-101.03; § 45-101.04
Legal rate when none is stated6%Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 45-102
Late feesNo statutory cap on late fees for private (non-consumer-lender) loans; fee must be a reasonable liquidated-damages estimate and, together with interest, must not push the effective rate above the usury ceiling
Time to sue on a written note5 yearsSource: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-205
Notarization / witnessesNot required (optional for evidentiary value)

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Promissory Note in Nebraska

Keep the interest rate at or below the Nebraska ceiling shown above; a usurious note can cost the lender all interest and more. For loans between family members, the IRS applicable federal rate (AFR) is the minimum to avoid imputed-gift issues on loans above $10,000.

Sign one original; the lender keeps it and the borrower keeps a copy. When the note is paid, the lender should mark it 'PAID IN FULL' and return it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum interest rate I can charge in Nebraska?

16% per year for a private written loan (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 45-101.03; § 45-101.04). 16% per year max by written contract; loans to corporations, business/agricultural loans, and loans over $25,000 secured by real estate are exempt (§ 45-101.04)

Does a promissory note need a notary or witnesses?

No. A note signed by the borrower is enforceable in Nebraska. Notarizing is optional; for a secured loan, file a UCC-1 or note the lien on the vehicle title to protect the lender.

How long can the lender sue on an unpaid note?

5 years from default (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-205).

Related documents

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.