Indiana Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Indiana?

Yes. According to the Indiana Notary Public Guide published by the Secretary of State, before receiving an Indiana notary commission an applicant must secure an approved $25,000 official surety bond, as provided in Indiana Code 33-42-12-1. Being “bonded” is one of the core attributes the state uses to describe a notary public, alongside being law-abiding, impartial, and a public official.

The bond exists to protect the public. It provides a source of recovery for people harmed by a notary’s breach of duty; if the surety pays a claim, it can seek reimbursement from the notary. The bond must be approved as part of the commissioning process handled through the Secretary of State’s INBiz system.

Indiana notaries take an oath to obey the laws of the United States and the State of Indiana. Applicants who fail the statutory eligibility, moral character, or conduct requirements — or who have certain convictions — are not permitted to hold a commission.

How to become a notary in Indiana

1. Confirm eligibility under Indiana Code (including age, residency/employment, and moral-character requirements) and that you have no disqualifying conduct or convictions.
2. Secure the approved $25,000 official surety bond.
3. Apply through the Secretary of State’s INBiz portal, completing the notary application and any required education.
4. Take the required oath to obey the laws of the United States and Indiana.
5. Receive your commission from the Secretary of State for an 8-year term, with statewide jurisdiction.

Because Indiana processes commissions electronically through INBiz, follow the current on-screen instructions and fee schedule during the application.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Indiana

The $25,000 surety bond is mandatory and protects the public — it does not protect the notary. If a claim is paid on the bond, the surety can recover the amount from the notary. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and protects the notary personally, covering defense costs and liability for unintentional mistakes. Indiana requires the bond but not E&O, so notaries who want personal financial protection typically add E&O on top of the required bond.

Renewing your Indiana commission

Indiana commissions last eight years — one of the longest terms in the country. When a term ends, a notary must reapply through the Secretary of State and secure bond coverage for the new term. Because the bond is a condition of holding the commission, plan to have current coverage in place for the full new term and apply before the existing commission expires to avoid a gap in authority.

Remote online notarization in Indiana

Indiana authorizes electronic and remote notarization. Notaries who want to perform remote acts must complete the additional registration and meet the technology, identity-verification, and recordkeeping requirements the Secretary of State sets for electronic and remote notaries, in addition to holding a valid notary commission and the required bond. Confirm the current remote notary steps through the Secretary of State’s INBiz notary resources before performing online notarizations.