How to become a notary in Indiana

Get everything you need with a full Indiana Notary Package.

The Indiana Notary commission is valid for eight years, after which you will need to renew it to continue serving as a Notary.

The initial cost to become a Notary in Indiana is about $192, depending on where you purchase your surety bond and Notary seal.

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.

Wondering if you qualify to become an Indiana Notary Public? Read on below.

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Learn more about being a Notary Public in the Hoosier State below.

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Last updated: Jan 22, 2025

Get everything you need with a full Indiana Notary Package.