Do you need a bond in Indiana?

Yes, a $25,000 surety bond covering the full eight-year term. The bond protects the public, not you, so consider optional E&O insurance.

Is there an exam to become an Indiana notary?

Yes. After paying the $75 fee you complete a roughly two-hour course and pass an online exam at 80% through INBiz.

Do Indiana notaries have continuing education?

Yes, every two years during the eight-year commission, completed through INBiz to keep the commission active.

Can you work as an Indiana notary if you live out of state?

Yes, if you are primarily employed in Indiana. You provide an employer consent form instead of proof of residency.

Indiana Notary Public 2026: How to Become One, Cost & 8-Year Term

This guide is educational and informational, not legal advice. Indiana notary rules are set in Indiana Code Title 33, Article 42 and can change, so confirm the details with the Indiana Secretary of State before you apply. We link to official resources; we never sell or submit applications.

Quick answer: To become a notary in Indiana you must be 18 and live or work in the state. The whole process runs through the Secretary of State's INBiz portal: you pay the $75 fee, complete a short course and pass an exam, and file a $25,000 surety bond. The commission lasts eight years, one of the longest in the country, but you must take continuing education every two years to keep it active. Use the checklist below to total your cost.

Open the cost checklist ↓

What does it cost to become a notary in Indiana?

Becoming an Indiana notary usually costs $160 to $200, but remember it covers an eight-year commission, so the yearly cost is low. The fixed charges are the $75 application fee, which unlocks the course and exam, and the $16.32 state police background check. The rest is the $25,000 bond premium and your stamp. Tick what applies and the checklist totals it live.

How do you become a notary in Indiana?

You become an Indiana notary entirely online through the INBiz portal. The steps, in order, are:

Gather your documents. Get a $25,000 surety bond, an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History no older than 30 days, and a signature sample matching your name.
Start your application on INBiz. Create an Access Indiana account and begin the notary application, affirming your eligibility.
Pay the $75 fee and take the course. The non-refundable fee unlocks the self-paced education course, which takes about two hours.
Pass the exam. Complete the online exam and score at least 80%, then submit your application with your bond and background check.
File and wait for approval. File your bond and oath with the Secretary of State within 14 days; do not notarize until your commission is approved, usually in 5 to 10 business days.

How long does an Indiana notary commission last?

An Indiana notary commission lasts eight years, one of the longest terms in the country, and it pairs with a $25,000 surety bond that is also among the highest. Some sites still show a four-year term, but the statute is clear that Indiana commissions run eight years. The long term is why the bond premium covers all eight years at once and why Indiana adds a continuing education requirement partway through, rather than waiting for renewal.

What are the requirements to become an Indiana notary?

The Indiana requirements combine education and testing with a sizable bond. You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and either a legal resident of Indiana or primarily employed in the state, with out-of-state workers providing an employer consent form. You complete the online course, pass the exam at 80%, carry a $25,000 bond, and clear a state police background check that must be less than 30 days old. A seal is required, and a journal is recommended though not mandatory.

Do Indiana notaries need continuing education?

Yes, Indiana requires continuing education every two years throughout your eight-year commission, which is unusual since most states only ask for education at renewal. The ongoing courses run through the same INBiz portal you used to apply, and keeping up with them is what keeps your commission active between renewals. Missing the continuing education can put your commission at risk, so treat the two-year checkpoints as firm deadlines, not suggestions.

How do you renew or notarize online in Indiana?

You renew within 90 days of your expiration date by completing the course and exam again, obtaining a fresh $25,000 bond, and paying the $75 fee through INBiz. To notarize remotely you add remote online notarization authorization, which requires an active commission with at least 90 days left, separate RON training and exam, and an approved technology vendor. Indiana caps remote online acts at $25 each, and you must be physically in Indiana even though the signer can be anywhere.

Becoming an Indiana notary: frequently asked questions

How long does an Indiana notary commission last?: Eight years, one of the longest terms in the country. Some sites incorrectly show four years, but the statute sets eight.
Do you need a bond in Indiana?: Yes, a $25,000 surety bond covering the full eight-year term. The bond protects the public, not you, so consider optional E&O insurance.
Is there an exam to become an Indiana notary?: Yes. After paying the $75 fee you complete a roughly two-hour course and pass an online exam at 80% through INBiz.
Do Indiana notaries have continuing education?: Yes, every two years during the eight-year commission, completed through INBiz to keep the commission active.
Can you work as an Indiana notary if you live out of state?: Yes, if you are primarily employed in Indiana. You provide an employer consent form instead of proof of residency.

Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Indiana Secretary of State, Notary Division and the INBiz portal; Indiana Code Title 33, Article 42 (chapters 12 and 13). Confirm current fees and steps with the Indiana Secretary of State before applying.