Indiana Notary Public — All Questions

What does an Indiana notary certify when taking an acknowledgment?

• a.That the document's contents are accurate
• b.That the notary approves the transaction
• c.That the identified individual appeared and acknowledged signing the document voluntarily✓
• d.That the document has been filed with a court

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.Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide

What does an Indiana jurat require that an acknowledgment does not?

• a.The signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation as to the truth of the statement✓
• b.The signer must provide two forms of ID
• c.The notary must translate the document
• d.The document must concern real estate

A jurat requires the signer to sign in front of the notary and to swear or affirm that the statement is true. An acknowledgment requires neither an oath nor signing in the notary's presence.Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide

A signer asks an Indiana notary which certificate their document needs. What should the notary do?

• a.Select a jurat to be safe
• b.Notarize without any certificate
• c.Ask the signer or the receiving agency which act is required, because choosing it is the unauthorized practice of law✓
• d.Decline to serve the signer

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.Indiana Notary Public Guide (Indiana Secretary of State)

For a standard Indiana notarization, when may the notary act without the signer physically present?

• a.Never; personal appearance is required, and remote acts require an approved audio-video platform under Indiana's remote notarization program✓
• b.When the signer has used the notary before
• c.When a coworker vouches for the signer by phone
• d.When the signer faxes the document

Personal appearance is required for every notarization. Indiana authorizes remote notarization, but only by a notary specifically authorized for remote acts, using an approved audio-video platform with identity proofing. A fax, phone vouch, or prior acquaintance does not satisfy appearance.Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide

Which act may an Indiana notary perform?

• a.Administering an oath or affirmation✓
• b.Recording a deed in the county records
• c.Issuing a court subpoena
• d.Certifying a copy of a birth certificate

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.Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide

What must a complete Indiana notarial certificate include?

• a.A legal opinion on the document
• b.The signer's fingerprint
• c.The venue, the date, the notary's signature, and the official stamp or seal✓
• d.The notary's date of birth

An Indiana certificate shows the venue (state and county), the date of the act, the notary's signature as commissioned, and the official stamp or seal. It does not include a thumbprint, a legal opinion, or the notary's personal data beyond the commission details.Indiana Code Title 33, Art. 42; Indiana Notary Public Guide