Indiana Frequently Asked Questions

An Indiana notary commission lasts for one day less than 8 years. If you wish to continue your work as an Indiana notary, it is recommended you renew your commissions no less than 60 days before your current certificate is set to expire.

There is no automatic renewal for Indiana notaries. You must reapply every 8 years, when your commission expires.

Yes, the State of Indiana requires all Indiana notaries to hold a $25,000 surety bond. This bond does not serve to protect the notary but rather the government and the businesses the notary performs work for.

No, the state does not require notaries to hold Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance. However, it is highly recommended for an Indiana notary to purchase it as E&O Insurance protects the notary.

As an Indiana notary, you will need to choose between an inked stamp or an embosser. Having 2 tools is recommended, since your work will not stop if you accidentally misplace one or if one breaks. Your notary stamp must contain the following words: Notary Public, State of Indiana, and Seal. Neither stamp or embosser can bleed as your document can be rejected due to smudging. It must be easy to read a photocopy of the stamp.

It should take around 2–3 weeks for you to receive your self-inking stamp.

No, just fill out the application and send it to Notary of America, which will then provide state and bond information, so you can complete the application process.

Any permanent resident of the State of Indiana who is not a criminal convicted for over 6 months and over 18 years old may become an Indiana notary.

Yes, you must be a resident of Indiana to become a notary in this state.

Yes, Indiana requires notary applicants to complete a notary education course and pass an exam. You should start the course after you pay your state application fee. In addition, commissioned notaries are required to complete a continuing education course every two years. Learn more about notary education requirements at INBiz.in.gov.