Quick Facts
Commission Term
8 years
Bond
$25,000
Application Fee
$75
Issuing Authority
Indiana Secretary of State via INBiz portal (https://inbiz.in.gov)
Journal
RonOnly
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Indiana distinctive
- Indiana does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Indiana's $75 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- Indiana's 8-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
- oathOfPersonalIdentity
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Indiana does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- Continuing Education Uniqueness - Biennial (every 2 years) CE required throughout 8-year term; 3 separate CE courses required (years 2, 4, 6); failure results in PERMANENT expiration (not suspension); only state-administered courses qualify
- ID Expiration Grace Period - 3-year expiration grace period for IDs (more generous than many states); accepts driver's licenses from ANY state
- RON Geographic Flexibility - Indiana RON allows signers located ANYWHERE in world (with restrictions for international: act not prohibited in signer's jurisdiction AND concerns US court/entity OR US property OR transaction substantially connected to US)
- Oath of Personal Identity - Signer may take oath of personal identity as verification method (uncommon provision in notary law)
- Criminal History Requirement - Requires Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record for all applicants ($16.32 additional cost)
Regulatory Authority
Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
IC 33-42
Notaries Public (Title 33, Article 42)
IC 33-42-0.5
Definitions
IC 33-42-9
Notarial Acts
IC 33-42-10
Official Seals and Stamping Devices
IC 33-42-12
Commission Requirements and Qualifications
IC 33-42-13
Notary Discipline
IC 33-42-14
Notary Fees
IC 33-42-17
Remote Notarial Acts
IC 31-11-6-1
Marriage solemnization (notaries NOT authorized)
75 IAC 7-2-3
Continuing education for notaries public
P.L. 130-2024
2024 amendments (effective July 1, 2024) - seal requirement updated
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Indiana?
A Indiana notary public commission is valid for 8 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Indiana?
Indiana charges $75 as the application fee to the Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Indiana require a notary bond?
Yes. Indiana requires a notary surety bond of $25,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Indiana?
Journal requirements in Indiana are: RonOnly. Consult the Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Indiana notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Indiana does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Indiana notaries use?
Indiana notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, Credible Witness, and oathOfPersonalIdentity. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Indiana cap notary fees?
Yes. Indiana sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. $10 maximum per signature for standard notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, oaths/affirmations, verifications, witnessing signatures, copy certifications); $25 maximum per remote notarial act (RON); Reasonable travel fees allowed (cannot exceed federal travel fees established by U.S. General Services Administration); If charging fee, must display fee list in advance; Public officials may NOT charge for notarial acts in connection with official business of governmental unit (except where authorized by other statute); Overcharging can result in investigation, warnings, fines, or commission suspension/revocation
Who regulates notaries in Indiana?
Indiana notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Indiana authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Indiana authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Indiana notaries perform?
Indiana notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Indiana?
Start your application through the Indiana Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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