How to Become a Notary Public in Indiana

IC 33-42-12-1(b) says an applicant must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and either an Indiana resident or primarily employed in Indiana. You must also clear the disqualification rules in IC 33-42-13, finish the education requirement and pass the exam.

The Notary Guide explains that Indiana's general rule for public offices applies to notaries: a conviction for a crime that could have brought more than a year in prison, or that drew a sentence over six months, disqualifies you unless the record has been expunged. Acts showing a lack of honesty or reliability, such as a fraud-related ruling or a false statement on the application, can also block a commission. Applicants who live out of state but work primarily in Indiana must supply a statement of employment on company letterhead (75 IAC 7-2-1(c)).

INBiz asks for these items before it will send your application for review:

Buy the bond from a commercial surety licensed in Indiana; the Guide suggests confirming the company with the Indiana Department of Insurance first. Freehold bonds have not been accepted for new commissions since July 1, 2018. Under IC 33-42-12-1(c), the bond (the statute calls it an assurance) must be submitted electronically within 30 days of its effective date.

The criminal history record comes from the State Police website. INBiz tells you to choose the reason for request covering candidates for public office or public officials, and you have only 14 days to download the record from your profile. Because the record must be under 30 days old when you apply, buy it close to your filing date.

The application fee listed on INBiz is $75, is nonrefundable and includes access to the required education course and exam; card payments carry a convenience fee. Once you pass the exam, INBiz sends your application to the Secretary for final review, which the office estimates at 5 to 10 business days. Under 75 IAC 7-2-1(g), an applicant rejected three times within 30 days must wait 30 days before trying again.

The state course is the only one that meets the requirement. For extra drilling before the exam, NotaryPrepHQ has Indiana practice questions written from IC 33-42 and the Notary Guide, each followed by an explanation.

You may notarize only after you receive your certificate of appointment. Check that your name is spelled correctly, since the Guide makes you responsible for the accuracy of your record. Buying a bond or supplies does not authorize you to act.

The Secretary does not sell seals; office supply stores and notary vendors do. IC 33-42-10-2 requires the seal to show the words notary public and state of Indiana, your name exactly as on the commission certificate, the words commission number followed by your number, and the words my commission expires followed by your expiration date. Since July 1, 2024 the word seal is no longer required. A rubber stamp or an embosser is acceptable.

IC 33-42-12-2(b) and 75 IAC 7-2-3 require three continuing education courses during the eight-year term, due two, four and six years after your commission date, each by the end of that anniversary month. Each costs $50 on INBiz, may be completed only within 90 days of its due date, and takes about two hours according to the Guide. Missing a deadline makes the commission expire, and you must then apply for a new one from scratch.

INBiz adds up the state costs for you: $75 to apply, $16.32 for the background record and $150 for the three CE courses, or $241.32 across the term, not counting the bond, seal or optional insurance.

Report a change to your name, mailing address, personal email, personal phone or employer details within 30 days; a name change also needs a bond rider and a new signature sample (IC 33-42-12-3). A conviction for a felony involving dishonesty, or a commission action in another state, must be reported within 14 days. If you stop living or primarily working in Indiana, the commission is treated as resigned.

You may apply to renew starting 90 days before expiration, using the same application, course and exam as a new applicant. If the commission lapses first, you apply as a new notary. Once commissioned, you may also seek remote notary authorization for a $100 fee after a separate course and exam; see the Indiana notary rules guide.