How to Become a Notary Public in Indiana

Becoming a Notary Public in Indiana is a straightforward process, but there are several key steps you'll need to follow. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Notary in Indiana, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
• Reside in Indiana or be primarily employed in Indiana.
• Hold a valid Indiana driver's license, non-driver ID card, or another acceptable form of ID.
• Not hold a lucrative government position or have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty.

2. Obtain a $25,000 Surety Bond

Indiana requires all Notaries both traditional and online notary to obtain a $25,000 surety bond to protect the public from any notarial misconduct. You can purchase the bond through an insurance company or bonding agency.

3. Obtain Your Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record

You need to obtain a Limited Criminal History Record from the Indiana State Police. This must be submitted to the Secretary of State with your application and be no more than 30 days old at the time of submission.

4. Complete the Application

• Visit the Indiana Secretary of State website and create an account.
• Submit the $75 application fee (non-refundable).
• Complete the Notary Public application form, which includes submitting your criminal background check and bond information.

5. Pass the Notary Exam

Indiana requires all aspiring Notaries to pass a state-mandated educational course and a written exam. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice and true/false questions. You must score at least 80% to pass.

6. Submit Your Bond and Signature

Upload your $25,000 Surety Bond Certificate and a sample of your signature to the application system on the Indiana Secretary of State website.

7. Receive Your Commission

Once approved, you'll receive your official Notary commission, which will be valid for 8 years. You can download your certificate from the Indiana Secretary of State’s website.

8. Obtain Your Notary Seal

You'll need an official Notary seal to begin notarizing documents. The seal can either be an ink stamp or an embosser, but it must include:

• The words "Notary Public" and "State of Indiana".
• The word "Seal".
• Your commission name and commission number.
• Your commission expiration date.

9. Get a Notary Fee Schedule (Optional)

While not mandatory, it’s recommended to create a fee schedule for your notarial acts, which may be posted in your office or shared with clients.

Additional Information

• Notary Commission Expiration: Your commission is valid for 8 years. To continue notarizing, you must renew your commission before it expires.
• Continuing Education: Indiana requires Notaries to complete 3 continuing education courses over the life of their commission.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Indiana?

The total cost to become a Notary in Indiana includes:

• $75 application fee.
• $16.32 for the criminal history record check.
• $25,000 surety bond (price depends on the provider).
• Notary seal and supplies (costs vary by vendor).

Can Non-Residents Become Notaries in Indiana?

Yes, if you are primarily employed in Indiana, you can become a Notary in the state, even if you're not a resident.

Remote Online Notary (RON) in Indiana

Indiana permits remote online notarization (RON) starting from July 1, 2019. To become an online Notary:

1. You must hold an existing traditional Notary Public commission.
2. Complete an online Notary training course (typically 3 hours long).
3. Pass the RON exam with a score of at least 80%.
4. Register with a state-approved RON technology provider.
5. Pay the $100 application fee for RON authorization.

RON requirements also include having access to technology that supports two-way audio-video communication and using digital certificates, electronic seals, and electronic journals.

Tips for Success as a Notary in Indiana:

• Build Your Notary Business: Whether you’re an independent contractor or work for a company, building a solid client base is key to success. You may want to consider E&O insurance to protect yourself from potential errors or disputes.
• Stay Current with State Laws: Notary laws can change, so it’s important to keep up with any changes in Indiana regulations.
• Offer Remote Notarization: Once you're authorized for RON, you can serve clients remotely, making it easier to offer services to people across the state.

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Conclusion

Becoming a Notary in Indiana involves a combination of training, application submission, bonding, and obtaining a seal. It’s a rewarding profession that can offer flexibility and potential for growth, especially if you decide to add remote online notarizations to your services.

BlueNotary's blog does a fantastic job of breaking down this tough subject. It makes learning easy and enjoyable for all ages, making the process a breeze.