How to Become a Notary in Indiana (2026 Guide)
Published February 17, 2023 · Updated May 26, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Major update May 2026: Indiana now requires a $25,000 surety bond, education course, and exam
- Background check required (Indiana State Police, within 6 months of application)
- Must be 18+, an IN resident or working in IN, and have no felony convictions
- Exam: 30 questions, 80% passing score required
- Commission term: 8 years (one of the longest in the country)
- RON (remote online notarization) available since 2018
Indiana overhauled its notary system in May 2026, adding a $25,000 surety bond requirement, mandatory education course, state exam, and background check. The 8-year commission term remains. Here is the updated process.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be an Indiana resident or have a principal place of business in the state
- Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have no felony convictions (unless rights restored)
- Be able to read and write English
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Education Course
Complete an approved notary education course. The course covers Indiana notary law, proper notarization procedures, and your duties and liabilities. The Secretary of State maintains a list of approved education providers on its website.
Step 2: Pass the State Exam
Pass the Indiana notary exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam has 30 questions covering the material from the education course. You can retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt.
Step 3: Complete the Background Check
Submit to a criminal background check through the Indiana State Police. The background check must be completed within 6 months of your application date.
Step 4: Purchase Your $25,000 Surety Bond
Indiana now requires a $25,000 surety bond for the 8-year term. The bond premium typically costs $100-$250. Purchase the bond from a bonding company or insurance agent before submitting your application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application Online
Complete the notary application through the Indiana Secretary of State’s INBiz portal. Upload your education certificate, exam results, background check, and bond documentation. Pay the $5 filing fee.
Step 6: Buy Your Supplies
Once commissioned, purchase your notary stamp (required) and a journal (required since 2018). Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50. You can start notarizing immediately once you have your stamp and certificate.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Education course | $30-$100 |
| State exam | Included with course or $20-$50 |
| Background check (Indiana State Police) | $15-$40 |
| $25,000 surety bond premium | $100-$250 |
| Application fee (Secretary of State) | $5 |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (required) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $175-$515 |
Indiana’s 2026 overhaul significantly increased the cost of becoming a notary. The $25,000 bond and education/exam requirements bring the total to $175-$515, compared to roughly $30 under the previous system.
Fee Schedule
Indiana sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. Electronic notarizations may be charged at a higher rate as set by the Secretary of State.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications on oath or affirmation
- Witness or attest signatures
- Certify copies of documents
- Protest negotiable instruments
Notary Stamp Requirements
Indiana requires a notary stamp or seal. It must include your name as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” “State of Indiana,” and your commission expiration date. You must use your stamp on every notarial certificate.
Notarizing for Family Members
Indiana does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. The standard conflict-of-interest rules apply: you cannot notarize documents in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Use caution when notarizing for a spouse or close family members on financial documents.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Not required, but recommended. Your $25,000 surety bond protects the public. E&O insurance protects you personally from lawsuits. Policies typically run $30-$100 per year for $25,000-$100,000 in coverage.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
- Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor charge
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation: the Secretary of State can revoke your commission at any time for cause
- Civil liability: your $25,000 bond covers public claims; you are personally liable for damages above that amount
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal and does not belong to your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and journal go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
- An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability
Renewal
Indiana notary commissions last 8 years, one of the longest terms in the country. Renew through the Secretary of State’s online portal. Apply before your commission expires. You will need a new bond and may need to retake the education course and exam.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Indiana authorized remote online notarization in 2018. To perform RON, you must hold an active Indiana notary commission and register as an electronic notary through the Secretary of State. You must use an approved RON technology provider.
Becoming a Signing Agent
Indiana is not an attorney state for real estate closings, so signing agents can handle loan document signings without attorney involvement. After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification course. Indianapolis and the Chicago suburbs in northwest Indiana are the top markets.
How Indiana Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Indiana | Ohio | Illinois | Michigan | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | $25,000 | None | $5,000 | $10,000 | $1,000 |
| Exam | Yes (80%) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Training | Yes | 3 hours | Yes | No | No |
| Term | 8 years | 5 years | 4 years | 6 years | 4 years |
| Max Fee | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 | None |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Indiana’s May 2026 overhaul made it one of the strictest states in the Midwest. Kentucky remains the easiest entry with no bond, no exam, and no training. Indiana offers the longest commission term at 8 years, which offsets the higher upfront costs. Michigan has the highest fee cap in the region at $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Indiana?
Yes, since May 2026. Indiana requires both an education course and exam (30 questions, 80% pass rate).
Do I need a surety bond in Indiana?
Yes, since May 2026. Indiana requires a minimum $25,000 surety bond for the 8-year commission term.
How long does an Indiana notary commission last?
8 years. Indiana has one of the longest commission terms in the country.
Is a notary journal required in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana has required notary journals since 2018.
Can Indiana notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Indiana authorized RON in 2018. Register as an electronic notary through the Secretary of State.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in Ohio
- How to Become a Notary in Illinois
- Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Indiana Secretary of State and IC 33-42.
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