For Notaries · Indiana

How to Become a Notary in Indiana

To become a notary in Indiana, you must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and an Indiana resident or primarily employed in the state. Purchase a $25,000 surety bond, complete the required online course and exam, and file with the Secretary of State's $75 fee. Commissions last eight years.

Earn as a remote online notary See the steps

Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary

Indiana notaries are commissioned by the Indiana Secretary of State through the state's INBiz portal. Indiana stands out from many states in two ways: a comparatively large $25,000 surety bond and an unusually long eight-year commission term. New applicants pay a single $75 fee that also covers a mandatory online education course and exam, and must submit an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record and a signature sample. Once commissioned, Indiana notaries can register separately to perform remote online notarizations, which the state has authorized and made fully operative under Indiana Code Title 33, Article 42, Chapter 17.

Indiana Notary Requirements at a Glance

Eligibility You must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen or permanent legal resident, and either a legal resident of Indiana or primarily employed in Indiana. You must be able to read and write English and have no disqualifying criminal history involving deceit, dishonesty, or fraud. Applicants also provide an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record (about $16.32) and a signature sample with the application.
Surety bond Indiana requires a $25,000 notary surety bond that stays in effect for the full eight-year commission term. The premium is set by your bonding company (commonly around $50-$75 for the entire eight years) and protects the public, not you. Many notaries add separate errors-and-omissions coverage for their own protection.
State filing fee $75 application fee to the Indiana Secretary of State (includes the mandatory education course and exam).
Commission term Eight years — one of the longest notary commission terms in the country. Renew before it expires to keep notarizing without a gap in authority.
Notary education Required online notary education course, included in the $75 application fee and delivered through INBiz.
Exam Required. A state-mandated online education course and exam are built into the $75 application and are accessed through the INBiz portal after you pay. You must complete the course before the exam unlocks and pass it before your commission is issued.

Indiana requires a $25,000 surety bond and a single $75 application fee, which also covers the mandatory online education course and exam, for an eight-year notary commission. — Indiana Secretary of State - INBiz

How to Become a Notary in Indiana: Step by Step

  1. 1

    Confirm you're eligible

    Make sure you're at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and either a legal Indiana resident or primarily employed in Indiana, able to read and write English, with no disqualifying criminal history involving deceit, dishonesty, or fraud.

  2. 2

    Purchase a $25,000 surety bond

    Buy a $25,000 notary surety bond from an Indiana-licensed bonding company. It covers your full eight-year term; keep the bond certificate so you can upload it with your application.

  3. 3

    Get your Limited Criminal History Record

    Request an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record (about $16.32) and prepare a signature sample. The Secretary of State requires both as part of your application.

  4. 4

    Apply, pay $75, and pass the course and exam

    Submit your application through the Secretary of State's INBiz portal and pay the $75 fee. That fee unlocks the mandatory online education course and exam, which you must complete and pass before you're commissioned.

  5. 5

    Receive your eight-year commission

    After you pass and your application is approved (often within about 5-10 business days), you receive an eight-year commission. Order your notary seal and journal, then you're ready to notarize across Indiana.

How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Indiana

Indiana authorizes remote online notarization and it is fully operative. To perform RON you must first hold an active traditional Indiana commission with at least 90 days remaining, then register separately with the Secretary of State, complete a RON education course and exam, contract with a state-approved technology vendor, and obtain an electronic seal and digital certificate.

Online / remote notary application fee: $100 nonrefundable RON registration fee (covers the RON training and exam)

RON is authorized under Indiana Code Title 33, Article 42, Chapter 17 and has been operative since 2020.

See how RON is authorized in Indiana — and state by state →

Walk through the Indiana remote online notarization process →

Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Indiana

Indiana allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Indiana commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.

Traditional (in-person) notary Remote online notary (RON)
How the signer appearsIn person, in the same roomOver a live, recorded audio-video call
Available in Indiana?YesAvailable now — register once commissioned
What you needSeal and journalAn approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate
Where the work comes fromLocal, walk-in and mobile appointmentsNationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary

What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Indiana?

Item Cost
State application fee (incl. course & exam) $75 (fixed by the state)
$25,000 surety bond ~$50-$75 for the 8-year term (varies by company)
Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record ~$16.32
Seal, journal & supplies Varies by provider
Remote online notary (RON) registration (optional) $100 nonrefundable (incl. RON course & exam)

See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.

Turn Your Indiana Commission Into Income

Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Indiana notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Indiana notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.

Join USA Notary as a notary

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Notary in Other States

Requirements differ by state — here are nearby East North Central guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.

How to Become a Notary in Ohio How to Become a Notary in Illinois How to Become a Notary in Michigan How to Become a Notary in Texas How to Become a Notary in Florida How to Become a Notary in California How to Become a Notary in Georgia How to Become a Notary in New York
AY

About the author

Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC

CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC

Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.

Connect on LinkedIn

Official sources

This guide summarizes public requirements from Indiana's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.