To become a Notary Public in Indiana, you must complete the following steps:
- Meet all qualifications under Indiana state law.
- Buy a $25,000 surety bond.
- Get an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record.
- Create an account on the Indiana Secretary of State's website.
- Pay the $75 application fee.
- Take the education course and pass the exam.
- Complete the application form.
- Buy your official Notary seal.
About the Indiana Notary Process
The Indiana Notary commission is valid for eight years, after which you will need to renew it to continue serving as a Notary.
Cost to Become an IN Notary
The initial cost to become a Notary in Indiana is about $192, depending on where you purchase your surety bond and Notary seal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$75 |
| Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record |
$16.32 |
| $25,000 surety bond |
$70 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$191.32 |
Commission Processing Time
Indiana Secretary of State recommends allowing 5-10 business days to process your application.
If you're approved, the email will have a link you can use to download your Indiana Notary certificate. You can also check your status by looking for your name on the Secretary of State’s list of commissioned Notaries.
Indiana Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you qualify to become an Indiana Notary Public? Read on below.
Eligibility
To be a Notary in Indiana, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident or primarily employed in the state of Indiana
- Possess an Indiana driver's license, Indiana non-driver identification card or other acceptable form of identification to prove Indiana residence or possess proof of employment in the state of Indiana
- Not hold a lucrative federal or state government office
- Not have a criminal conviction with a sentence exceeding six months imprisonment
Surety Bond
Notaries are required to purchase a $25,000 surety bond to protect the public if they are harmed by Notary misconduct.
If damages are paid out from the bond, you are required by law to pay back the company that issued the bond in addition to any legal fees incurred.
Criminal History Record
Visit Indiana’s website to get an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record. From here, you'll have 30 days to complete the rest of the application process.
Application
Create an account on the Indiana Secretary of State's website to complete your application form and pay the $75 application fee. You’ll need to submit your bond certificate as well as an image of your signature.
Notary Training
Applicants for an Indiana Notary commission must take a Notary education course and pass an exam.
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. You must score 80% or higher to pass.
Throughout your eight-year commission term, you're required to complete three continuing education courses:
| Continuing Education |
Due Date for Completion |
| First course |
2 years after receiving your commission |
| Second course |
4 years after receiving your commission |
| Third course |
6 years after receiving your commission |
You have until the end of the anniversary month in which you received your Notary commission to complete the courses. Notaries who fail to complete the continuing education requirement will have their commissions expire.
Once you’ve passed your exam, your application will be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office for final review.
Notary Supplies
Indiana Notaries are required to use an official Notary seal.
You can choose between an inked stamp and an embosser. If an embosser is used, an embosser inker must be purchased so the impression may be photocopied.
The seal must contain the following information:
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of Indiana"
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Commission Number _____ (number)"
- The words "My commission expires _____ (date)"
Indiana does not require keeping a logbook or journal of all traditional notarial acts, but they recommend it as it serves as a record of notarizations you have performed and offers you protection from liability.
Indiana Notary Public FAQs
Learn more about being a Notary Public in the Hoosier State below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Indiana Secretary of State, located in Indianapolis, IN, is responsible for commissioning Notaries Public in Indiana.
Business Services Division
302 W. Washington Street
Room E018
Indianapolis, IN 46204
May I become an Indiana Notary if I don't live in the state?
Yes. If you are primarily employed in the state, you can become an Indiana Notary Public.
Is E&O insurance required?
Where will I be able to notarize?
Indiana Notaries have statewide jurisdiction.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization.
You cannot notarize your own signature—whether signing for yourself or for a corporation. In addition, Notaries are prohibited from notarizing for their spouse or for any party that may directly benefit the Notary or spouse.
What fees can IN Notaries charge?
The Secretary of State allows Indiana Notaries to charge $10 per signature for acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, signature witnessings, verifications upon oath or affirmation, and copy certifications.
Fees for notarial acts not specified are negotiable.
You may charge a reasonable traveling fee not to exceed the federal travel fees established by the U.S. General Services Administration.
If you plan to charge for your Notary services, you must post a fee schedule for the services you provide.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
If you change your mailing address, name or other personal information, you must notify the Secretary of State's office within 30 days.
For Notaries moving out of Indiana or no longer primarily employed in the state, you must notify the Secretary of State. The notice will be treated as a resignation.
If you change your name, you must also file a rider or other record issued by your surety provider reflecting the change and an example of your new, official signature.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You can apply for your traditional Notary Public commission three times within 30 days. If you're rejected, you must wait 30 days before submitting another application. After that, you're entitled to timely notice and a hearing, as described in IC 4-21.5.
What is the process to renew my commission as an Indiana Notary?
When your commission's eight-year term ends, you must meet the state's requirements and reapply for a new Indiana Notary commission.
Notaries commissioned before July 1, 2018, are grandfathered through their existing commission term. When they renew their commission, however, they will be subject to the new state laws.
What do I need to know about remote notarization in Indiana?
Remote online notarization (RON) has been allowed in Indiana since July 1, 2019, but the Secretary of State only adopted final rules for RONs on March 31, 2020. Once you have your traditional Notary Public commission, follow this step-by-step guide to register to perform remote notarizations.
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Last updated: Jan 22, 2025