How to Become a Notary Public in Indiana (Get your Notary Commission)
To attain the designation of a Notary Public in Indiana, it is imperative to successfully navigate through the following steps:
- Verify your compliance with all qualifications as stipulated by Indiana state law (details provided below).
- Secure a $25,000 surety bond.
- Obtain an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record. Please note that you will have a 30-day window to fulfill the remaining steps.
- Visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s website to establish your account.
- Submit the requisite $75 application fee.
- Engage in the state-mandated educational course and successfully pass the examination.
- Duly complete the Notary Public application form.
- Upload both your bond certificate and an image of your signature.
- Proceed to receive your official Notary Public commission.
- Acquire your authorized Notary seal and fee schedule.
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Indiana.
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What are the requirements to become a Notary in Indiana?
To become a Notary in Indiana, applicants must meet the following fundamental qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Reside in Indiana or be primarily employed in the state.
- Have an Indiana driver’s license, non-driver identification card, or another acceptable form of ID to verify your residency or employment in Indiana.
- Not occupy a lucrative position in the federal or state government.
- Not have any criminal convictions that led to imprisonment for over six months.
For further details, consult the Indiana Notary Public Guide or the Indiana SoS Website.
How much does it cost to become a Notary in Indiana?
To become a Notary Public in Indiana, you will need to pay an $80 total in fees, which includes a $5 filing fee and a $75 application fee. Additionally, acquiring your Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record for a fee of $16.32 is mandatory, and this document must be no more than 30 days old at the time of your application submission.
The price for the mandatory $25,000 surety bond and any Notary supplies such as your seal will depend on the vendor you select.
How long does it take to become a Notary in Indiana?
Per the 2022 Indiana SOS Notary Handbook, most applicants will receive an email within two business days about their application status. If approved, this email will include a link to download your Notary certificate. Your commission status can also be verified by checking the Secretary of State’s online list of active Notaries.
How long does an Indiana Notary commission last?
In Indiana, a Notary commission is active for eight years, after which renewal is necessary to maintain your Notary status.
Eligibility and Training for Indiana Notaries
State-Mandated Notary Training and Exam
Indiana requires all aspiring Notaries to successfully complete a state-approved Notary education course and pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of 30 questions, including both multiple choice and true/false formats.
Throughout your eight-year commission, you must also complete three continuing education courses at specific intervals. Failure to meet this requirement will lead to the expiration of your Notary commission.
Required Supplies for Indiana Notaries
Indiana Notaries must use an official seal for all notarial acts. This seal can be an inked stamp or an embosser. If using an embosser, you must ensure the impression can be photocopied. Your seal should include:
– The words “Notary Public” and “State of Indiana.”
– The word “Seal.”
– Your commission name.
– Your commission number and expiration date.
To ensure document acceptance, your stamp should not bleed. If you opt for an embosser, an embosser inker is necessary to comply with state requirements.
Although not mandated, maintaining a notarial act journal is advised for record-keeping and liability protection.
Does Indiana require Surety Bonds and Insurance for Notaries?
Indiana mandates a $25,000 surety bond for all Notaries to safeguard the public against Notary misconduct. Should there be any claims against the bond, you’re obligated to reimburse the bond issuer for any payouts and legal costs.
While not required, purchasing Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is recommended to protect yourself from liability for unintentional errors or accusations, covering legal expenses and damages up to the selected policy limit.
Indiana Notary FAQs
Which office is in charge of Notary commissions?
The office of the Indiana Secretary of State, situated in Indianapolis, IN, oversees the commissioning of Notaries Public within the state.
Can non-residents become Notaries in Indiana?
Absolutely, provided that they are primarily employed in Indiana, non-residents are eligible to receive an Indiana Notary Public commission.
Where am I allowed to notarize in Indiana?
Notaries in Indiana are authorized to perform notarizations throughout the state.
Who am I allowed to notarize for?
You are permitted to notarize documents for any individual who presents a legitimate request and fulfills the necessary requirements for notarization. It is prohibited to notarize your own signature, whether personally or on behalf of a corporation, as well as notarizing documents for your spouse or any transaction where there is a direct benefit to you or your spouse.
What if I change my personal details?
Should there be changes to your mailing address, name, or other pertinent personal information, you must inform the Secretary of State’s office within 30 days. Notaries who move out of state or are no longer primarily employed in Indiana should also notify the office, which will consider such notification as a resignation.
In the case of a name change, it’s required to submit documentation from your surety provider that reflects this change along with a sample of your new signature.
What if my Notary application is denied?
You have the opportunity to reapply for a traditional Notary Public commission up to three times within a 30-day period after an application rejection. Should your application be denied, a 30-day waiting period is enforced before you can reapply. You’re also entitled to a prompt notice and a hearing as stipulated in IC 4-21.5 if needed.
How do I renew my Notary commission?
To renew your commission after its eight-year duration, you must fulfill the current state requirements and apply anew for your commission. Notaries commissioned before July 1, 2018, will adhere to the existing rules until the renewal, at which point new state regulations will apply.
Are Online Notaries Legal in Indiana?
Since July 1, 2019, Indiana has permitted remote online notarization (RON), with the Secretary of State finalizing RON rules on March 31, 2020. Upon obtaining your traditional Notary Public commission, you can follow our detailed guide to register for performing remote notarizations.
Remote notaries in Indiana are required to hold a traditional notary commission and successfully fulfill the state-mandated notary education course.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In Indiana?
Becoming an Online Notary in Indiana is a simple way to offer convenient services and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How Do You Become An Online Notary In Indiana?
Commencing from March 31, 2020, Notaries in Indiana gained the ability to register for remote online notarizations (RONs). If you aspire to become a remote Notary in Indiana, adhere to the following outlined steps:
1. Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public in Indiana.
2. Access or create an account on the Secretary of State’s website.
3. Complete the State’s Remote Notary Application.
4. Specify the state-approved RON technology provider(s) you intend to utilize.
5. Disclose any prior disciplinary actions or commission revocations, if applicable.
6. Successfully complete the mandatory state-approved training course and pass the associated exam.
7. Submit your application along with the corresponding certification.
8. Remit the $100 fee to the Secretary of State’s office.
9. Upon approval of your application, coordinate with your state-approved remote technology provider(s) to finalize the onboarding process.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Indiana and approved and familiar with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state-local Online Notary laws!
Indiana Online Notary FAQ’s
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in Indiana
To obtain IN remote Notary authorization, you must currently hold a commission as a traditional Notary Public, with at least 90 days remaining before its expiration.
Traditional Notaries in Indiana must meet the following criteria: be at least 18 years old, a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States, and a resident or primarily employed in the state.
For a comprehensive understanding of the Indiana Notary registration process, including the necessary recent limited criminal history record check through the Indiana State Police, please refer to the step-by-step guide.
Training Requirements for Online Notaries
Indiana mandates that applicants complete a state-approved remote Notary education course to qualify as an online Notary Public. This three-hour online course covers remote notarization best practices and technology prerequisites.
Is there an Exam for Indiana Remote Notaries?
Yes, the state-required RON training course includes an exam that you must pass with a score of 80% or higher to receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is a prerequisite during the Secretary of State’s application process for Indiana remote Notaries.
Tools and Technology for Online Notarizations in Indiana
To perform online notarizations in Indiana, you will need a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Your computer should support two-way audio and visual communication for conducting RON services. The Secretary of State’s approved RON technology providers like BlueNotary.
Indiana remote online Notaries must also possess a digital certificate featuring their signature, an electronic seal, and an electronic journal, all of which can be provided by the chosen remote Notary vendor(s) of your preference.
Is an Additional Surety Bond Required?
No, remote Notaries in Indiana are not obligated to obtain a second surety bond. However, traditional Notaries in the state must hold a $25,000 surety bond to safeguard the public.
E&O Insurance in Indiana
While Indiana does not mandate errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, it is highly recommended. This insurance policy can provide coverage for unintentional errors made by the Notary. If you already possess an E&O policy, you should verify whether it covers electronic notarial acts and remote online notarizations.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally, the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in Indiana?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on more difficult and complex loan signings and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. It is possible to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Indiana?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other Indiana notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and for independent notaries looking to grow their own businesses and for business looking to optimize their system to focus their energy elsewhere. We even have training videos, signing simulator, and a test with a friend feature to get you comfortable with the process.
