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Become a Notary Public in Indiana

Start a notary business in Indiana. Commission term: 8 years. Startup costs: $264 - $1,760

Important Notices

Unauthorized

Notarizing documents without a valid commission is a crime that can result in fines and imprisonment.

Interest

Never notarize a document in which you have a personal or financial interest.

Identity

You must properly identify signers. Notarizing for someone you cannot identify exposes you to liability.

Fees

Indiana sets maximum fees notaries can charge. Exceeding these limits is illegal.

Important Notices

Item Low High
Application Fee State notary application fee $35 $35
Surety Bond $25,000 bond (8-year term) $44 $44
Notary Seal/Stamp Official notary seal meeting state specifications $26 $26
Notary Journal Record book for notarial acts $22 $22
Education Course Required or recommended training course $88 $88
E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance (recommended) $88 $88
Business License If operating as a notary business $66 $66
Marketing Website, business cards, directory listings $176 $176
Total $545 $545

Notary Commission & Requirements

Age Requirement

Must be at least 18 years old.

Indiana Secretary of State

Indiana Residency

Must be a legal resident of Indiana or have principal place of business in the state.

Indiana Secretary of State

Background Check

Must pass criminal background check. Certain convictions may disqualify applicants.

Indiana Secretary of State

Application & Fee

Submit notary application with required fee to Indiana Secretary of State.

Indiana Secretary of State

$25,000 Surety Bond

Must obtain and maintain surety bond for 8-year commission term.

Surety Company

Notary Seal/Stamp

Must obtain official notary seal meeting state specifications.

Vendor

Oath of Office

Must take and file oath of office before performing notarial acts.

Indiana County Clerk

Notary Journal

Record book for documenting all notarial acts performed.

Vendor

Notary Commission & Requirements

Indianapolis

Notary services in Indianapolis, IN

Fort Wayne

Notary services in Fort Wayne, IN

Evansville

Notary services in Evansville, IN

South Bend

Notary services in South Bend, IN

Carmel

Notary services in Carmel, IN

Notary Services Costs in Other States

View all 50 states

Indiana Notary Tips

Consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent for loan document closings (higher income)
Invest in E&O insurance even if not required - it protects your personal assets
Join the National Notary Association for resources and credibility
Offer mobile notary services to increase your customer base
Keep meticulous records in your notary journal for legal protection

Indiana Notary Tips

1

Check Eligibility

Verify you meet Indiana requirements: 18+ years old, state resident, no disqualifying criminal history.

2

Complete Education

Take any required or recommended notary education course. Some states mandate training.

3

Submit Application

Complete notary application and submit to Indiana Secretary of State with required fee.

4

Obtain Surety Bond

Purchase $25,000 surety bond from licensed surety company.

5

Take Oath of Office

After commission approval, take oath of office and file with county clerk.

6

Purchase Supplies

Obtain official notary seal/stamp and journal meeting state specifications.

7

Start Notarizing

Begin performing notarial acts. Consider mobile notary or loan signing specialization.

Indiana Notary FAQ

How long does it take to become a notary in Indiana?
The process typically takes 2-8 weeks in Indiana, including application processing, background check, and obtaining your commission. Total startup investment in Indiana runs $264-$1,760.
Why do I need a $25,000 surety bond?
The surety bond protects the public if you make errors or commit misconduct. You purchase it from a surety company for about $44 and maintain it throughout your 8-year commission.
How much can I earn as a notary?
Part-time notaries in Indiana typically earn $200-$500/month. Full-time mobile notaries and loan signing agents can earn $3,000-$10,000/month or more.
Can I notarize for family members?
Generally no. You should not notarize documents in which you or immediate family members have a direct interest. This could invalidate the document and expose you to liability.

Indiana Notary FAQ

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