How to Become a Notary Public in Indiana
Indiana does not require a traditional exam to become a notary public. However, Indiana requires all applicants to complete an education course and pass an exam. Additionally, you must obtain a criminal background check. Applications are processed through the Indiana Secretary of State.
Indiana Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Residency | Indiana resident |
| Exam Required | No (education course with exam required) |
| Education Required | Yes - Course with exam |
| Surety Bond | $25,000 |
| Commission Term | 8 years |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Why Become an Indiana Notary?
- 8-year commission - Longest commission term in the U.S.
- RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization available
- High demand - Growing population with constant notary needs
- Good earning potential - Up to $10 per traditional act, $25 for RON
- Professional certification - Education requirement ensures competency
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Step-by-Step: How to Become an Indiana Notary
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To become an Indiana notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Indiana
- Be able to read and write English
- Not be disqualified by law due to criminal convictions
Step 2: Obtain Criminal Background Check
Indiana requires a Limited Criminal History Record from the Indiana State Police:
- Obtain the record no earlier than 30 days before submitting your application
- Available online through the Indiana State Police website
- Cost: $16
- Must be included with your application
Step 3: Complete Mandatory Education Course
All Indiana notary applicants must complete an approved education course:
Course Requirements:
- Complete a state-approved notary education course
- Pass the examination at the end of the course
- Course must be completed before submitting your application
- Cost: Approximately $50 per course
Course Content Includes:
- Indiana notary laws and regulations
- Duties and responsibilities of a notary public
- Proper notarial procedures and certificate requirements
- Identity verification methods
- Journal and record-keeping requirements
Step 4: Obtain Your Surety Bond
Before submitting your application, obtain a $25,000 surety bond:
- Bond Amount: $25,000
- Bond Term: 8 years (matches commission term)
- Typical Cost: $50-$150 for the 8-year term
- Provider: Must be from a state-approved surety company
The bond must remain effective for the entire duration of your commission.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Apply through INBiz (Indiana's online business portal):
- Create an INBiz account or log in
- Complete the Notary Public Application
- Upload your Limited Criminal History Record
- Upload your education course completion certificate
- Upload your surety bond
- Pay the $75 application fee
Mailing Address (if needed): Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division 302 W. Washington Street, Room E018 Indianapolis, IN 46204
Step 6: Receive Your Commission
Once approved:
- You'll receive your Commission Certificate
- Your commission is valid for 8 years - the longest term in the nation
- You may begin notarizing after obtaining supplies
Step 7: Purchase Notary Supplies
After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:
Official Notary Seal (Required):
- Rubber stamp or embosser format
- Must be clear and legible
- Must be capable of photographic reproduction
- Cost: $20-$50
Required Seal Information:
- "Notary Public"
- "State of Indiana"
- Your name as commissioned
- Commission number
- "My commission expires [date]"
- Note: The word "seal" is no longer required after July 1, 2024
Notary Journal (Required for RON):
- Not required for traditional notarizations
- Required for electronic/remote notarizations
- Electronic format typically provided by RON platform
- Cost: $15-$40 (if needed)
Indiana Notary Fees
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Traditional notarial act | $10.00 |
| Remote Online Notarization act | $25.00 |
| Travel/incidental fees | Reasonable (by prior agreement) |
Important Notes:
- You may charge less than the maximum or waive fees entirely
- Travel and incidental fees must be agreed upon in advance
- Fees are set by IC 33-42-14-1
Indiana-Specific Requirements
Seal Requirements
Your Indiana notary seal must meet specific requirements:
Format Options:
- Rubber ink stamp
- Embosser
Required Information:
- "Notary Public"
- "State of Indiana"
- Your name exactly as commissioned
- Commission number
- "My commission expires [date]"
Note: After July 1, 2024, the word "seal" is no longer required on the stamp.
Security:
- Safeguard your seal from misuse
- Destroy or disfigure your seal when your commission ends
Certificate Requirements
Every notarial certificate must include:
- Your official seal impression
- Your signature
- The date of the notarial act
- Proper notarial wording for the act type
Continuing Education Requirements
Indiana requires continuing education throughout your commission:
- Complete three continuing education courses during your 8-year term
- One course required every two years
- Cost: $50 per course
- Courses administered through the Secretary of State's office
- Failure to complete courses will terminate your commission
Timeline:
- First course: By end of year 2
- Second course: By end of year 4
- Third course: By end of year 6
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Indiana
Indiana authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing notaries to perform notarial acts remotely via audio-video communication.
Becoming an Indiana Remote Notary
To perform RON in Indiana:
- Hold a valid Indiana notary commission in good standing
- Complete an online RON education course
- Pass the remote notary exam
- Submit the RON application through INBiz
- Pay the $100 RON authorization fee (nonrefundable)
- Select an approved RON technology platform
RON Technology Requirements
RON platforms must provide:
- Continuous audio-visual communication
- Identity verification (credential analysis + knowledge-based authentication)
- Session recording capability
- Tamper-evident electronic records
- Electronic seal affixation
- Electronic journal (may or may not be provided by vendor)
Electronic Journal Requirements (for RON)
If performing remote notarizations, you must maintain an electronic journal:
Required Entries:
- Date and time of the act
- Type of notarial act
- Document title/description
- Principal's full name
- Identity verification method used
- ID credential details (no sensitive numbers like full SSN)
- Fees charged
Security Requirements:
- Under exclusive notary control
- Secure and tamper-evident
- Notify SOS within 15 days if lost, stolen, or compromised
- No deletion unless ordered by SOS or court
RON Fees
- RON Authorization Fee: $100 (one-time, nonrefundable)
- Maximum fee per RON act: $25.00
Total Cost to Become an Indiana Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Criminal Background Check | $16 |
| Education Course | $50 |
| Surety Bond (8 years) | $50-$150 |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Notary Seal | $20-$50 |
| Total Estimated | $211-$341 |
Continuing Education (over 8-year term):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Three CE courses ($50 each) | $150 |
| 8-Year Total with CE | $361-$491 |
For RON (additional):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| RON Education Course | $50-$100 |
| RON Authorization Fee | $100 |
| RON Platform | Varies ($20-$50/month) |
| RON Additional Total | $150-$200+ |
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Obtain criminal background check | 1-3 days |
| Complete education course | 1-2 days |
| Obtain bond | Same day (online) |
| Complete application | 1 day |
| Processing time | 1-2 weeks |
| Order supplies | 3-5 days |
| Total | 2-4 weeks |
Renewing Your Indiana Commission
Indiana notary commissions are valid for 8 years - the longest term in the nation.
Renewal Process:
- Complete all three continuing education courses during your term
- Obtain a new criminal background check (within 30 days of application)
- Complete a new education course
- Obtain a new $25,000 surety bond
- Submit renewal application before expiration
- Pay the $75 application fee
Important Notes:
- Completing continuing education does not extend your commission term
- Continuing education does not exempt you from renewal requirements
- Only courses administered through the Secretary of State's office qualify
Note: Purchase a new seal with your updated expiration date and commission number.
Special Considerations
Criminal Background
Indiana requires a Limited Criminal History Record from the Indiana State Police:
- Obtain within 30 days of submitting your application
- Available online for $16
- Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you
- The Secretary of State reviews each application individually
Maintaining Your Commission
To keep your commission in good standing:
- Complete all three continuing education courses on schedule
- Maintain an effective surety bond for the entire 8-year term
- Report any address changes to the Secretary of State
- Safeguard your seal and journal
Lost or Compromised Journal (RON)
If your electronic journal is lost, stolen, or compromised:
- Notify the Secretary of State within 15 days
- Document the circumstances
- You may not delete entries unless ordered by SOS or court
Start Your Indiana Notary Career Today
Indiana offers one of the most valuable notary commissions in the nation with its 8-year term. While the upfront requirements include education, an exam, and background check, the long commission term and RON authorization make Indiana an excellent state for building a notary business.