What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Indiana

To become a notary public in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Indiana, and able to read and write English. You then take a written exam administered by your county clerk, pay a fee (usually between $25 and $50 depending on your county), and receive your commission. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process to the county clerk's office.

Indiana does not require you to take a preparatory course before the exam, though many people study using the Indiana Notary Public Handbook, which is free and available from the Secretary of State's office. The exam covers Indiana notary law, your duties and responsibilities, and common notarial acts. You must pass with a score of at least 70 percent.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, an Indiana resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
  • Contact your county clerk's office to request an process form and learn the specific exam date and location in your county.
  • Study the free Indiana Notary Public Handbook from the Secretary of State before taking the exam, which covers notary law and your legal duties.
  • After passing the exam and paying the fee, your commission is valid for four years and must be renewed if you want to continue as a notary.

Step 1: Contact Your County Clerk's Office

Start by calling or visiting the clerk's office in the county where you live. The county clerk administers notary exams and processes all applications in Indiana. Ask for an process form and find out when the next exam is scheduled in your county. Some counties offer exams monthly; others may have longer gaps between test dates.

You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, Indiana driver's license or state ID number, and your current address. Some counties allow you to read the process from their website; others require you to pick one up in person or request it by mail. Keep a copy of your completed process for your records.

Step 2: Study the Indiana Notary Public Handbook

The Indiana Secretary of State publishes the Indiana Notary Public Handbook free of charge. read it from the Secretary of State's website or request a printed copy from your county clerk. This handbook covers everything the exam tests: your legal authority as a notary, what you can and cannot do, how to perform different types of notarial acts, and common mistakes to avoid.

The handbook explains the difference between acknowledgments, jurats, and other notarial acts, and walks through the steps for each one. Pay special attention to sections on identification requirements, journal keeping, and prohibited acts. The exam draws directly from this material, so thorough reading is your best preparation.

Step 3: Take the Notary Exam

On the exam date, arrive at your county clerk's office with a valid photo ID and any materials your county allows (usually just the handbook or notes). The exam is typically 30 to 50 questions and covers notary law, your duties, and practical scenarios. You have a set time limit—usually one to two hours—to complete it.

Common exam topics include identifying when you can notarize a document, what information must go in your journal, how to handle a signer who cannot speak English, and what to do if someone asks you to notarize a blank document. The exam is not designed to trick you; it tests whether you understand your legal responsibilities. A passing score is 70 percent or higher.

Step 4: Pay the Fee and Receive Your Commission

After you pass the exam, pay the notary fee to your county clerk. The fee varies by county but is typically between $25 and $50. Some counties accept cash, check, or card; ask when you submit your exam. Once payment is received, the clerk issues your notary commission certificate, which is your official proof that you are a commissioned notary public.

Your commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Keep your commission certificate in a safe place—you may need to show it to employers or clients. You do not need to display it publicly, but some notaries frame it in their office. If you move out of Indiana or no longer wish to be a notary, you can resign your commission by notifying your county clerk in writing.

Step 5: Obtain a Notary Journal and Seal

Indiana law requires you to keep a notary journal—a bound record of every notarial act you perform. You can purchase a journal from office supply stores, online retailers, or your county clerk's office. The journal must have numbered pages and a bound spine so entries cannot be removed or altered. Each entry should include the date, type of notarial act, the signer's name and address, the document title, and your signature.

You also need a notary seal (also called a stamp or embosser). Indiana allows either a rubber stamp or an embosser; both must show your name, the words "Notary Public," "State of Indiana," and your commission number. Order your seal from an office supply company or online vendor. Your seal must be legible and produce a clear, permanent impression on paper.

Understanding Your Duties as an Indiana Notary

As a notary, your job is to verify the identity of signers, confirm they are signing willingly and with understanding, and document that you witnessed the signing. You are not a lawyer and cannot give legal information. You cannot notarize a document for yourself, a family member, or anyone with whom you have a financial interest. You cannot notarize a blank document or one with blank spaces left to be filled in later.

You must refuse to notarize if the signer appears confused, intoxicated, or under pressure. You must also refuse if the signer cannot speak English well enough to understand what they are signing, unless an interpreter is present. Keep your journal for at least six years after your commission expires, as it may be needed in legal proceedings. Violating these rules can result in fines and loss of your commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a notary course before the exam?

No. Indiana does not require a preparatory course. You can study the free Indiana Notary Public Handbook on your own and take the exam. Some people choose to take a paid online course for extra practice, but it is not necessary to pass.

What if I fail the exam the first time?

You can retake the exam. Contact your county clerk to schedule another test date. There is usually a fee to retake the exam, similar to the original exam fee. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the handbook more carefully.

Can I be a notary if I have a criminal record?

Indiana law does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records from becoming notaries. However, your county clerk may investigate your background. If you have concerns, contact your clerk's office before explore to ask whether your specific situation would be a barrier.

How much can I charge for notarizing a document?

Indiana law sets a maximum fee of $2 per signature for most notarial acts. Some acts, like taking an acknowledgment, may have different fee limits. Check with your county clerk for the exact fee schedule in your county, as some counties set lower maximum fees.

What happens when my four-year commission expires?

You must renew your commission if you want to continue as a notary. Contact your county clerk about 60 days before your expiration date to request a renewal process. You will need to pass the exam again and pay the renewal fee, though the process is the same as your initial commission.