Indiana Notary Frequently Asked Questions

The new notary application can be found on the state of Indiana's Notary Public page.

• Makes additional income

• Increases your skill-set and looks good on a resume

• If working alone, you can make your own schedule

• Easy and effective way to help out the community

• Acknowledgements

• Jurats

• Oaths/Affirmations

• Copy Certification

• Signature Witnessing

• Anyone 18 or older

• Must be a United States citizen (Or legal resident) and a resident of Indiana

• Must be able to read and write in English

• Must not have been convicted of a felony that resulted in a sentence of 6 months or more

Anywhere in the state of Indiana.

You can notarize for any member of the public who makes a sensible request and meets all the requirements for notarization. For Example: Must have proof of identity and be physically present.

No training or exam is required state of Indiana. If you would like training, Indiana offers free notary training online. There are various training materials you can acquire though other vendors.

Indiana requires a surety bond of $5,000. Errors and Omissions insurance (E&O) is NOT required, but it is recommended.

A surety bond is a promise to pay anyone harmed if you fail to honestly, diligently and faithfully discharge your responsibilities as a Notary. Any damages paid from the bond go to cover a signer’s losses and you must pay back the surety company. The surety company may also require you to repay any costs the company incurs in defending the bond. A surety bond does NOT provide insurance coverage for you.

Indiana requires this to thwart any fraudulent activity that occurs with the notary at fault. This is designed to protect potential victims.

• The application filing fee for Indiana is $30

• The price of the required surety bond will vary depending on the vendor

• Training material is optional, but ranged from $15 to $60 depending on the source

• Prices on Notary Supplies may vary (Notary seal stamps and embossers)

• Notary Seal Stamp or Embosser

Stamp must have ink that does not bleed during or after use because documents can be rejected due to smudging. You must purchase seal impression inker if you are using an embosser. Indiana regulations require all seal and stamps to be sharp, legible, permanent and photocopiable. They must include the following text: Name, Notary Public, County, State of Indiana, Expiration Date and Commission Number.

• Notary Records Journal

Journal of notarial acts must be listed in chronological order in a paper format. Though not required by the state, it is highly suggested that you use a bound journal for your own protection because it makes it harder for pages to be misplaced or removed.

Although not a requirement, if you believe it is helpful for your business to have these, then it is a good idea. If you work for a company as a notary singing agent, then discuss with them if this would be necessary.

Yes, since being a notary grants you certain permissions and responsibilities, there is also the need for insurance which was noted earlier.

Risk should be assessed on a case by case basis, but being a notary signing agent comes with the responsibility of fully understanding the risks involved. Having E&O Insurance can potentially reduce your exposure to risk.

The Indiana notary commission is valid for eight years and then requires you to reapply.

• Perform a notarial act if the notary is a signer or named in the document to be notarized

• Select notarial certificates

• Make representations to have powers, qualifications, rights or privileges that the notary does not have

• You do not have the power to counsel on legal matters

• Overcharge for notary services

• Engage in the unauthorized practice of law

• Notarize his or her own signature

• Notarize the signatures of his or her relatives

• Notarize a document if her or she is a party to the document

• Act as a witness to and notarize the same instrument