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Indiana Notary Public Exam Cram Sheet (2026)
The highest-yield points on the Indiana Notary Publicexam, grouped by the exam's real content areas. Print it, review the ones you keep missing, then drill them with free practice questions.
22questions
0 mintime limit
80to pass
5content areas
Notarial Acts and Certificates
26% of the exam- An acknowledgment certifies the identified signer appeared and acknowledged signing voluntarily.
- A jurat certifies the signer signed in the notary's presence and swore or affirmed the statement is true.
- A notary may not certify vital records or record documents; those belong to other offices.
- Choosing the notarial act for a signer is the unauthorized practice of law.
- A jurat requires an oath or affirmation; an acknowledgment does not.
- For a jurat the signer must sign in front of the notary.
- An oath and affirmation carry equal legal weight.
- Both acts require identifying the signer.
- Personal appearance is required for every notarization.
- Remote acts require an authorized remote notary using an approved audio-video platform with identity proofing.
- A fax, phone vouch, or prior acquaintance never satisfies personal appearance.
- State the venue and the date of the act.
- Sign as commissioned and affix the official stamp or seal.
- Indiana does not require a thumbprint; never record a Social Security number.
- Never include a legal opinion in the certificate.
Identifying the Signer
18% of the exam- Personal knowledge means the notary knows the individual well enough to have no reasonable doubt.
- Satisfactory evidence means an acceptable ID or the oath of a credible witness.
- A signer stating their own name is never sufficient.
- A current government photo ID with a signature and identifying number qualifies: passport, driver's license, state ID, or military ID.
- Club cards, Social Security cards, and voter postcards do not qualify.
- The ID should be current so its features can be confirmed.
- The witness must personally know the signer and be known to or identified by the notary.
- The notary must place the witness under oath before relying on them.
- A witness should have no financial interest in the transaction.
- If identity cannot be established, the notary must refuse the act.
Records and Official Stamp
18% of the exam- A remote online notary must record each remote act in an electronic recordbook.
- The electronic recordbook and audio-video recording must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Keeping a journal for standard in-person acts is strongly recommended good practice.
- Do not store unnecessary sensitive data such as account numbers.
- The stamp shows the notary's name and the words 'Notary Public' and 'State of Indiana.'
- It shows the county of residence, the commission number, and the expiration date.
- The impression must be legible and reproducible on the document.
- The stamp never contains the signer's information.
- Keep the stamp and records secure and under the notary's control.
- Report a lost or stolen stamp promptly and obtain a replacement.
- When the commission ends, dispose of the stamp so it cannot be misused.
Commission, Bond, and the Exam
18% of the exam- An applicant must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
- The applicant must be able to read and write English.
- The applicant must reside in Indiana or have a primary place of business or employment in Indiana.
- The commission runs eight years, with continuing education every two years.
- Indiana requires a $25,000 surety bond.
- The bond protects the public harmed by the notary's misconduct.
- The notary must repay the surety for any claim paid.
- Applicants complete online education before the exam.
- The exam has 30 questions, both multiple choice and true/false.
- A score of 80% (24 of 30) is required to pass.
- It is delivered online, not as a closed-book in-person test.
Prohibited Acts, Fees, and Liability
20% of the exam- A standard in-person notarial act is capped at $10.
- Remote notarizations follow separate fee rules under the remote-notary statute.
- A notary may charge less than the cap or nothing.
- Record any fee charged in the journal.
- Notaries must complete continuing education every two years.
- Missing required education can jeopardize the commission's standing.
- Education keeps the notary current on changing law, including remote notarization.
- A notary may not act with a disqualifying interest in the transaction.
- A notary may never notarize their own signature.
- A non-attorney notary may not give legal advice or choose the notarial certificate.
- A non-attorney notary may not advertise as a 'notario publico.'
- Knowingly making a false certificate can bring civil liability and criminal charges.
- The Secretary of State may investigate and revoke a commission for cause.
- The bond compensates the public; the notary remains personally responsible.
Now prove you know them
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Study aid, not a substitute for the official material — always confirm the current rule with Indiana Secretary of State — Notary. Last verified: August 2026.