How to Become a Notary in Indiana
What Are the Requirements to Become a Notary in Indiana?
Eligibility
To become a notary in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Be a legal resident of the State of Indiana or primarily employed in Indiana
- Not be disqualified from receiving a commission under IC 33-4-13 and IC 5-8-3-1:
- IC 33-4-13: Have a conviction or civil ruling involving deceit, dishonesty or fraud
- IC 5-8-3-1: Have a conviction where the sentence imposed exceeded six (6) months
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How to Apply to Become a Notary in Indiana
If you meet the eligibility requirements, follow these steps to apply for your notary commission:
Step 1: Order Your Indiana Notary Public Bond & Supplies.
Indiana law requires all notary applicants to have a $25,000 notary bond, valid for the full 8-year term of the commission. This bond protects the public from financial harm caused by notarial errors or misconduct. Bonds are available through providers like Notary Public Underwriters.
When you visit our Become a Notary page, you’ll find convenient packages that include the notary bond and stamp to ensure you don't miss any state-required items.
Next, you’ll complete our online application process to confirm your eligibility for an Indiana notary commission and help us fulfill your order. You’ll then customize your notary package by choosing your stamp case color and selecting any additional supplies you may need.
While not required by law, we highly recommend purchasing notary Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Unlike a notary bond, E&O insurance protects you personally by covering legal costs related to unintentional errors—without requiring repayment or a deductible. Without E&O insurance, you could be personally responsible for legal or financial consequences.
Once you’ve completed your purchase, your notary bond will be available for download and needed for the next step.
Step 2: Review and Sign Your Notary Bond.
If you used our online application process, you should have already downloaded the notary bond. If not, log in to your account and access it from the "Notary Bond" tab. Carefully review the information on your notary bond for accuracy. Sign at the red “X” exactly as your name appears. This is how your commission and notary supplies will be issued.
Step 3: Obtain an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Report.
To obtain your Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Report, visit https://www.in.gov/ai/appfiles/isp-lch. Scroll to the bottom, check the acknowledgment box, and click “Start Search.” You will be prompted to log in or create a new account.
Once logged in, start a new search and follow the prompts. At the “Reason for Request” page, select "Is a candidate for public office or a public official." Your results will be available instantly and can be printed or saved to your computer.
The fee for the report is currently $16.32, payable online during the request process.
If you receive an "unresolved request" message, please contact INBiz for assistance.
Important: The Secretary of State’s office will not accept a report that is more than 30 days old from the date of applying with their office. Be sure to time your report request accordingly.
Step 4: Submit Your Application via INBiz.
Visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s InBiz portal to apply for your notary commission. Create or log in to your INBiz account and begin the online application. Be sure to have the following ready:
- $25,000 surety bond
- A sample of your signature (an image of your signature matching the name on the application and bond)
- Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Report
- Employer Consent Form (if you reside out of state but are primarily employed in Indiana)
You will be required to enter personal information and affirm your eligibility under IC 33-42-13 and IC 5-8-3-1. If applicable, you may need to upload supporting documentation for any positive responses.
Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee.
Step 5: Complete the Notary Education Course and Exam.
After paying the application fee, you will gain access to the notary education course and exam.
The course is self-paced, and typically takes about 2 hours to complete. It covers topics such as notary duties, proper use of your seal, record-keeping, and state rules. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and you must score at least 80% (24 correct answers) to pass. Once you’ve passed, your application will be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office for final review.
Processing time for your application typically takes 5–10 business days, and your license status will be viewable on your INBiz dashboard once approved.
Step 6: Receive Your Order.
Once you receive your notary commission certificate, email a copy of it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Upon receipt of your commission certificate, we will manufacture your notary supplies and ship them within three business days. Once your supplies arrive, you’re officially ready to begin your duties as a notary in Indiana!
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Indiana?
There are many factors in the cost to become a notary in Indiana. The state’s application fee is $75, the limited criminal history report is $16.32, and the notary bond is $70. You will also need to purchase a notary stamp so that you can carry out your duties. These vary in price depending on the style you like. Below is a breakdown of our most popular package as well as our most economical package. Please note that the application fee and limited criminal history report fee is not included.
Most Popular
| Item | Cost |
| $25,000 Notary Bond | $70 |
| Rectangular Notary Stamp | $24 |
| Notary Public Record Book | $10 |
| $25,000 Notary E&O Insurance | $80 |
| Shipping & Handling | $12.95 |
| Total Cost | $196.95 plus tax |
Most Economical
| Item | Cost |
| $10,000 Notary Bond | $50 |
| Rectangular Notary Stamp | $24 |
| Shipping & Handling | $12.95 |
| Total Cost | $106.95 plus tax |
Indiana Notary Public FAQs
How old do I have to be to become an Indiana notary?
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of your notary public appointment in Indiana.
Do I need to live in Indiana to be a notary?
You must either be a legal resident of Indiana or be primarily employed in Indiana to qualify for a notary commission.
Do I need a notary bond in Indiana?
Yes. A $25,000 notary bond is required and must be submitted with your application.
What is a notary bond, and does it protect me?
A notary bond protects the public—not you. If a valid claim is made against your bond, you are financially responsible for repaying the surety company. For your own protection, consider purchasing E&O insurance, which covers your legal costs in case of unintentional mistakes.
How Do I Obtain a Notary Bond in Indiana?
Visit our Become a Notary page to purchase the notary bond and other state-required items.
Not a new applicant? Visit our Renew Commission page!
How much does it cost to file a notary application in Indiana?
The application fee is $75, paid through the INBiz portal.
Is notary training or testing required?
Yes. All Indiana notary public applicants are required to complete the education course and pass an exam. The course and exam are administered online through the INBiz portal and must be completed as part of the initial application process.
In addition, Indiana notaries are required to complete three continuing education (CE) courses during their 8-year commission term. These courses are designed to help notaries stay current on laws, best practices, and evolving technologies relevant to their duties.
The continuing education does not extend your commission term. Continuing education courses are due every two years, by the last day of the month in which your commission was originally issued. Failure to complete continuing education will result in your notary commission expiring.
For example, if your commission was issued on March 15, 2024, your first CE course will be due by March 31, 2026, followed by additional courses in 2028 and 2030.
What is the cost of Indiana notary continuing education?
Indiana notaries must complete three continuing education courses during their 8-year commission. Each course costs $50, totaling $150 over the commission term.
What if my name or address changes?
You must update your information through the INBiz portal within 30 days of the change.
What happens if I make a mistake as a notary?
You may be held personally liable. This is why purchasing errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is strongly recommended, even though it is optional.
Is a notary record book (journal) required in Indiana?
No, but it is highly recommended to keep a record book to track your notarial acts and protect yourself from liability.
Can I notarize documents in other states?
No. Indiana notaries may only perform notarial acts within the state of Indiana.
Am I required to notarize every document presented to me?
No. You are not required to notarize if you have concerns about the signer’s identity, willingness, or awareness. If you are uncertain about the document’s legitimacy or the signer appears confused, you should decline to notarize.
What should I do if I’m unsure how to proceed with a notarization?
If you’re unsure about a notarial act, contact the Indiana Secretary of State’s office or consult a licensed attorney. Do not proceed if you have doubts or if the situation seems unusual or potentially fraudulent.
What if my employer pressures me to notarize something improperly?
Explain that Indiana law requires the signer to appear in person before a notary. Notarizing without proper procedure could make both you and your employer legally liable, and the document may be rendered invalid.
Can my employer keep my notary commission if I leave the job?
No. Your notary commission is personal, even if your employer paid for it. Employers may not keep your certificate or stamp.
How long is an Indiana notary commission valid?
An Indiana notary commission is valid for 8 years from the date it is issued. To maintain your status as an active notary during each 8-year term, you must complete three continuing education (CE) courses—one every two years.
Each course must be completed by the last day of the month in which your commission was originally issued. For example, if your commission was issued on March 15, 2024, your CE deadlines would be:
- March 31, 2026
- March 31, 2028
- March 31, 2030
Failure to complete any of these required courses will result in the expiration of your notary commission, even if your 8-year term has not yet ended.
To avoid interruptions in your notary duties, be sure to complete your continuing education on time and begin your renewal process before your commission expires.
How Do I Renew My Notary Commission in Indiana?
You must repeat the application process before your current commission expires, including obtaining a new bond, completing the education course, passing the exam, and paying the fee. Begin the renewal process at least three months before your current commission expires to avoid potential delays.
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