Get An Instant Quote on Indiana Notary Bond w/ $5,000 E&O Coverage Now

Like many states, Indiana requires that Notary Publics become licensed and provide an Indiana Notary Bond. Learn what these Notary bonds are, what they cost and how to obtain one easily.

What is a Notary Public in Indiana?

In Indiana, notaries are commissioned by the State of Indiana to serve as an impartial witness and fraud deterrent for legally significant documents such as wills, property deeds, marriage licenses and adoption papers. 

Indiana Notaries are allowed to perform Notary acts. These acts can be physical or electronic and include:

(1) Taking an acknowledgement. 

(2) Administering an oath or affirmation. (3) Taking a verification on an oath or affirmation. 

(4) Attesting to or witnessing a signature.

(5) Attesting to or certifying a copy of: (A) a tangible document or record; or (B) an electronic document or record. 

(6) Noting a protest of a negotiable record. 

(7) Any other act authorized by common law or the custom of merchants

What is the Amount of an Indiana Notary Bond?

Indiana requires notaries to carry a new Notary bond in the amount of $25,000. However, some Indiana notary bonds remain in place that are $5,000. These $5,000 notary bonds will need to be increased to the new $25,000 when the notary renews their commission.

What Does an Indiana Notary Bond Guarantee?

An Indiana Notary Bond guarantees that the Notary will abide by all Indiana Notary laws and regulations. Section 33-42-0.5-33 of Indiana code says the surety shall guarantee the legal liability of a notary public for:

• debt;
• default; or
• failure to perform a duty of a notary public

Should the Indiana Notary not uphold any of these duties, a claim can be made against the Notary Bond.

How to Obtain an Indiana Notary Bond

Indiana Notary Bonds are easy to obtain. They can be purchased online in minutes without a credit check. Those looking for the best pricing and terms may need to complete an application and perform a credit check.

What Does an Indiana Notary Bond Cost?

The cost of an Indiana Notary Bond depends on the bond company but most are very inexpensive. For example, an Indiana Notary Bond with $5,000 of E&O coverage can be purchased instantly here for $155 without a credit check. Notaries with good personal credit can usually obtain even better pricing.

Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance

Notary bonds are often written with errors and omissions insurance (E&O). This insurance protects the Notary against unwillingly mistakes made while acting as a notary. At the very least, it can provide some defense coverage for the Notary and is often sold with a notary bond.

Duration of an Indiana Notary Bond

Indiana law requires a notary to keep a bond in place for the entire term of a notary’s appointment. If a notary applies for a new term, a new Notary Bond or continuation certificate must be obtained.

Cancellation of the Notary Bond

An Indiana Notary Bond can be canceled by either the surety bond company or the Notary. The Notary must give at least 10 days notice to the bond company. The Indiana Notary must either replace the bond with another notary bond or their notary commission will cease. 

The surety bond company can also cancel the Notary Bond for non payment. They must give 30 days notice to the notary of cancellation. 

Parties to an Indiana Notary Bond

An Indiana Notary Bond is a type of license surety bond. It is a three party agreement. The Notary is referred to as the Principal on the bond. The party requiring the bond is the Obligee which is the state of Indiana for this bond. The surety is the bond company that is guaranteeing the Indiana notaries compliance with the law.

How an Indiana Notary Bond Works

The Indiana Notary on the bond provides payment to the surety bond company along with the agreement to indemnify them for any losses. In exchange, the surety bond company provides the Notary Bond to the state guaranteeing that the Notary complies with state laws. If the Notary does not, the state has financial recourse against the surety bond company.

Not Insurance

Indiana Notary should understand that Notary bonds are not insurance and should not be treated as such. If a claim is made against the Notary Bond, the surety bond company must investigate. If the bond company pays out, they will seek to be reimbursed by the Notary under the indemnity agreement. Notaries can read about other differences between insurance and surety bonds here.

Bond Verification

Indiana requires the surety bond company writing the notary bond to be authorized by the state. You can check surety bond company listings here. It is also good practice to verify that the notary bond is legitimate. You can read more about verifying a surety bond here. 

Indiana Notary Bonds are required to become and remain a notary in Indiana. These bonds are easy to obtain, inexpensive and protect the public. Notaries may visit our surety bond FAQ page for other information on surety bonds. Indiana Notaries may also need other surety bonds. Many of the bonds can also be purchased online by visiting the Indiana Surety Bond Page. 

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Josh Carson, AFSB

Vice President at Axcess Surety

Vice President of Axcess Surety. Surety Bond and financial expert dedicated to helping contractors, businesses and individuals understand and obtain surety bond credit.

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