Indiana Notary Public Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many Indiana Notary Public practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original Indiana Notary Public practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the Indiana Notary Public exam like?+
About 22 questions, and you need 80% to pass. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. Acts
What does an Indiana notary certify when taking an acknowledgment?
- a.That the document's contents are accurate
- b.That the identified individual appeared and acknowledged signing the document voluntarily
- c.That the notary approves the transaction
- d.That the document has been filed with a court
Answer: b
Explanation: An acknowledgment certifies that the signer personally appeared, was identified, and acknowledged executing the document for its stated purpose. It does not vouch for the truth of the contents or the merits of the transaction.
Source: Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide
- 2. Acts
A signer asks an Indiana notary which certificate their document needs. What should the notary do?
- a.Ask the signer or the receiving agency which act is required, because choosing it is the unauthorized practice of law
- b.Select a jurat to be safe
- c.Decline to serve the signer
- d.Notarize without any certificate
Answer: a
Explanation: A non-attorney notary may not choose the notarial act for a signer; that is giving legal advice. The notary asks the signer, or the agency requiring the document, which act is needed and then completes that certificate.
Source: Indiana Notary Public Guide (Indiana Secretary of State)
- 3. Acts
Which act may an Indiana notary perform?
- a.Certifying a copy of a birth certificate
- b.Administering an oath or affirmation
- c.Issuing a court subpoena
- d.Recording a deed in the county records
Answer: b
Explanation: Indiana notaries take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, perform jurats, and witness signatures. They may not certify vital records like birth certificates, issue subpoenas, or record documents, which are functions of other offices.
Source: Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide
- 4. Identification
How may an Indiana notary establish a signer's identity?
- a.Only by an Indiana driver's license
- b.Only by a co-signer's statement
- c.By personal knowledge of the signer, or by satisfactory evidence such as a current government photo ID or a credible witness
- d.By the signer's verbal claim of identity
Answer: c
Explanation: Indiana's modernized law allows identification by the notary's personal knowledge of the signer, or by satisfactory evidence: a current government-issued photo ID bearing a signature, or the oath of a credible witness who knows the signer.
Source: Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide
- 5. Identification
An Indiana signer lacks ID but brings a credible witness. What is required before relying on the witness?
- a.The witness signs the document
- b.Nothing; the witness is automatically enough
- c.The witness's ID is copied onto the certificate
- d.The witness must personally know the signer, be identified to the notary, and take an oath vouching for the signer's identity
Answer: d
Explanation: A credible witness must personally know the signer, be personally known to or identified by the notary, and take an oath or affirmation as to the signer's identity. Only a sworn, qualifying witness may substitute for missing identification.
Source: Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide
- 6. Journal Seal
Which elements must appear on an Indiana notary's stamp or seal?
- a.The signer's name and address
- b.The notary's name, the words 'Notary Public' and 'State of Indiana,' the county of residence, the commission number, and the commission expiration date
- c.The notary's Social Security number
- d.A photograph of the notary
Answer: b
Explanation: An Indiana stamp or seal shows the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public' and 'State of Indiana,' the county of residence, the commission number, and the commission expiration date. It authenticates the act and never contains the signer's information.
Source: Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide
- 7. Journal Seal
An Indiana notary's stamp is lost or stolen. What should the notary do?
- a.Do nothing unless it is misused
- b.Keep using a scanned copy
- c.Wait until the eight-year term ends
- d.Take prompt steps to prevent misuse, notify the Secretary of State as required, and obtain a replacement
Answer: d
Explanation: Because a stolen stamp can be used to commit fraud, the notary should promptly act to prevent misuse, notify the Secretary of State as required, and obtain a new stamp. Relying on a scanned copy of the old stamp is not acceptable.
Source: Indiana Notary Public Guide (Indiana Secretary of State)
- 8. Commission
What surety bond amount must an Indiana notary maintain?
- a.$5,000
- b.$25,000
- c.$50,000
- d.No bond is required
Answer: b
Explanation: Indiana requires a $25,000 surety bond for the eight-year commission. The bond protects members of the public harmed by the notary's misconduct; it does not protect the notary, who must repay the surety for any claim paid.
Source: Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide
- 9. Commission
Which statement about the Indiana notary exam is correct?
- a.There is no exam in Indiana
- b.It is a closed-book, in-person, proctored test
- c.A perfect score is required
- d.It follows online education and has 30 questions (multiple choice and true/false), requiring 80% (24 of 30) to pass
Answer: d
Explanation: Indiana requires online education followed by an exam of 30 questions, a mix of multiple choice and true/false, with 80% (24 of 30) needed to pass. It is delivered online, not as a closed-book in-person test.
Source: Indiana Secretary of State — Notary Education and Exam
- 10. Conduct Fees
How often must an Indiana notary complete continuing education during the commission?
- a.Never
- b.Only once at the start
- c.Every two years
- d.Every month
Answer: c
Explanation: Indiana notaries must complete continuing education every two years during the eight-year commission, keeping them current on notarial law. Missing the required education can jeopardize the commission's good standing.
Source: Indiana Notary Public Guide (Indiana Secretary of State)