How to Become a Notary in Indiana

Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey towards a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Indiana, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.

Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.

Become a Notary in Indiana

In order to become a notary in Indiana, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

All individuals that wish to become notaries must satisfy the following Indiana notary requirements:

• Be at least eighteen years old
• Be a legal resident of or primarily employed in Indiana
• Not be disqualified to receive a commission for:
  • Having a conviction or civil ruling involving deceit, dishonesty, or fraud
  • Having a conviction involving a sentence exceeding six months

Note: You can read more about the necessary qualifications in the Indiana Notary Public Guide.

Step 2: Obtain a $25,000 Surety Bond

All applicants need to acquire a surety bond in the value of $25,000 and maintain it throughout the duration of their commission as a notary public.

Make sure to check the provider of the bond is licensed to conduct business in the state of Indiana. You can check this with a quick internet search or by reaching out to one of the provider’s insurance agents.

Note: Your bond will be reviewed by the Indiana Secretary of State’s office when you submit it alongside your application. If it is not deemed acceptable, you may need to restart the application process.

Step 3: Get an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record

After obtaining an appropriate surety bond you’ll need to request your limited criminal history record from the Indiana State Police within the 30-day period before you submit your application.

You can obtain this record from the Secretary of State’s website by creating an account and starting a new search request. Your results will be available to you immediately however you’ll only have 14 days to download them from your profile.

Note: There is a $16.32 fee to obtain this information.

Step 4: Purchase a Course (Optional)

Even though this step is not a legal requirement, you should note that several Indiana notary applicants choose to invest in a notary course. This is because it can offer several benefits, such as:

• Understanding the Law: Notary laws can be complex and vary from state to state. A course can help ensure that notaries fully understand Indiana notary laws and how to apply them correctly
• Professional Development: A course can enhance professional skills, making a notary more effective and competent in their role
• Reducing Liability: By better understanding the rules and best practices, notaries can reduce the risk of making errors that could result in legal action
• Increased Confidence: A notary course can boost a notary’s confidence by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to draw from
• Staying Updated: Laws and procedures change over time. A course can help notaries stay current with any changes in notary regulations and practices

So, while it’s not mandatory in Indiana, many aspiring notaries find value in such courses. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.

Step 5: Complete the Notary State Exam and Application

Next, you’ll need to pay a $75 application fee to the Indiana Secretary of State. This enables you to take the mandatory notary education course and exam.

Afterward, you’ll need to complete the rest of the Notary Public application form on the Secretary of State’s website and upload your $25,000 Indiana notary bond certificate as well as an image of a signature that matches your name.

Keep in mind that you can only submit your application electronically.

If your application is successful, you should soon receive your certificate of appointment. It’s your responsibility to check the accuracy of this document and report any errors (if there are any).

Once you’ve received your Indiana notary commission you’ll be authorized to offer notarial services.

Step 6: Protect Yourself with Errors and Omissions Insurance

While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential notary errors or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts.

It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.

Step 7: Obtain Notary Supplies

Finally, you’ll need to acquire your notary public supplies.

These include your Indiana notary stamp or seal (used to affix to documents), as well as your public journal.

In Indiana, your custom notary stamp must contain the following information at a minimum:

• The words: “Notary Public”
• The words: “State of Indiana”
• The word: “seal”
• Your name, exactly as it appears on your commission certificate
• The words: “commission number” followed your commission
• The words: “my commission expires” followed by the expiration date of your commission.

Remember that, as a notary, you will serve a vital role in your community. This responsibility requires diligence, precision, and a high ethical standard.