Indiana Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: If a signer presents a U.S. passport that expired 18 months ago, may an Indiana notary accept it as satisfactory evidence of identity?

No, because all government IDs must be currently valid with no expiration
No, because passports are federal documents and cannot be used by state notaries
Yes, because Indiana allows IDs expired not more than 3 years (Correct answer)
Yes, but only if combined with a second form of ID

Correct answer: Yes, because Indiana allows IDs expired not more than 3 years

Indiana allows identification documents that are expired by no more than 3 years, so a passport expired 18 months ago is still acceptable.

Question 2: An Indiana notary fails to obtain the required surety bond. What is the consequence for notarizations they perform?

The only consequence is a fine paid to the Secretary of State
The notary must repay all fees collected while the bond was missing
The notarizations are still valid — the bond requirement is administrative only
The commission is not legally effective without the bond, meaning notarizations performed without a filed bond may be invalid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The commission is not legally effective without the bond, meaning notarizations performed without a filed bond may be invalid

Without the required surety bond, the Indiana notary commission is not legally effective — notarizations performed without a filed bond may be invalid.

Question 3: An Indiana notary registered for RON must use an approved RON technology platform. Who approves these platforms in Indiana?

The Indiana Supreme Court certifies RON platforms
The Indiana Secretary of State maintains a list of approved RON technology providers (Correct answer)
The individual notary selects any platform they find convenient
Federal agencies certify RON platforms for all states

Correct answer: The Indiana Secretary of State maintains a list of approved RON technology providers

The Indiana Secretary of State oversees RON platform approval and maintains a list of authorized technology providers.

Question 4: An Indiana notary's official seal is lost or stolen. What is the notary's professional responsibility?

Report the loss only if the seal is used fraudulently by someone else
Order a replacement seal and continue performing notarizations immediately
Notify the Indiana Secretary of State and stop using the seal until a replacement is obtained and reported (Correct answer)
Destroy all journal records associated with the missing seal to prevent misuse

Correct answer: Notify the Indiana Secretary of State and stop using the seal until a replacement is obtained and reported

An Indiana notary has a professional duty to safeguard notarial supplies and to promptly notify the Secretary of State if a seal is lost, stolen, or damaged. Continuing to notarize without a valid seal, or failing to report the loss, violates the notary's obligations.

Question 5: An Indiana notary is about to administer an oath to a witness at a deposition, and the witness states they are a Quaker who believes swearing is prohibited by their faith. What is the proper procedure?

Ask the witness to sign a written statement that they refuse to swear
Administer the oath anyway, since religious exceptions only apply in court proceedings
Refuse to administer any sworn statement to the witness
Offer to administer an affirmation, which is a solemn non-religious pledge carrying the same legal force (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Offer to administer an affirmation, which is a solemn non-religious pledge carrying the same legal force

Indiana law accommodates sincere religious or conscientious objections to swearing by providing the option of an affirmation, which is legally equivalent to an oath.

Question 6: Can an Indiana notary use an electronic journal instead of a paper journal?

No, only paper journals are accepted
Yes, Indiana permits electronic journals as long as they meet security and backup requirements (Correct answer)
Yes, but only for Remote Online Notarizations
No, electronic records are not considered reliable

Correct answer: Yes, Indiana permits electronic journals as long as they meet security and backup requirements

Indiana allows electronic notarial journals provided they include appropriate security measures such as tamper-evidence, backup capabilities, and access controls.

Question 7: What is the consequence of performing a notarial act without affixing the official seal?

There is no consequence if the notary's printed name and commission number are included
The notarization is still fully valid since the signature alone is sufficient
The notarization is defective and may be rejected or challenged as incomplete (Correct answer)
The only consequence is a minor fine payable to the county clerk

Correct answer: The notarization is defective and may be rejected or challenged as incomplete

A notarial certificate without the official seal is defective and incomplete under Indiana law — the seal is a mandatory element.

Question 8: An Indiana notary notarized a document for a client who later discovers the destination country is not a Hague member. What should the notary tell the client?

The notary must accompany the document to the foreign embassy
An apostille will still work regardless of Hague membership
The document will need to go through full legalization, starting with county-level certification, before being sent to State Department and the foreign embassy (Correct answer)
The notarization is invalid and must be redone by a federal officer

Correct answer: The document will need to go through full legalization, starting with county-level certification, before being sent to State Department and the foreign embassy

When the destination country is not a Hague member, the document requires full legalization: county certification, then the Indiana Secretary of State, then the U.S. State Department, and finally the foreign embassy.

Question 9: What type of seal is recommended for Indiana notaries whose notarized documents will frequently be scanned or photocopied?

An embossing seal, because it creates a three-dimensional impression that is harder to forge
A red ink stamp, because red ink is most visible on document copies
A black ink rubber stamp, because inked impressions appear clearly on photocopies and scanned documents (Correct answer)
An electronic seal, because it is readable by all document management systems

Correct answer: A black ink rubber stamp, because inked impressions appear clearly on photocopies and scanned documents

A black ink rubber stamp is recommended for documents that will be photocopied or scanned because the ink impression reproduces clearly, unlike embossed seals.

Question 10: Which of the following is an authorized notarial act in Indiana?

Translating a document from another language
Determining the legal sufficiency of a document
Providing legal advice about a document
Administering an oath or affirmation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Administering an oath or affirmation

Administering oaths and affirmations is one of the core notarial acts authorized under Indiana law (IC 33-42).

Question 11: How does an apostille differ from full diplomatic authentication (legalization) for a document?

An apostille is issued by the notary; legalization is issued by the state
An apostille requires translation; legalization does not
An apostille is only valid for one year; legalization is permanent
An apostille is a simplified single-certificate process for Hague member countries; legalization involves multiple government steps for non-members (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An apostille is a simplified single-certificate process for Hague member countries; legalization involves multiple government steps for non-members

An apostille is the streamlined Hague Convention certificate accepted between member countries, while full legalization is a multi-step chain of certifications required for non-member countries.

Question 12: Which of the following is an authorized act that a notary public in Indiana can perform?

Administering an oath or affirmation (Correct answer)
Performing a marriage ceremony
Certifying a copy of a vital record such as a birth certificate
Providing legal advice about the contents of a document

Correct answer: Administering an oath or affirmation

An Indiana notary public can notarize documents for family members, provided they are not a party to the document themselves and have no direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. The key is to maintain impartiality and avoid any conflict of interest. If the notary stands to gain or lose from the document, they must refuse to notarize it.

Question 13: How long must an Indiana notary retain their notarial journal after the final entry?

10 years (Correct answer)
3 years
5 years
1 year

Correct answer: 10 years

Indiana requires notaries to retain their journal for at least 10 years after the date of the last entry.

Question 14: When should a notary refuse to notarize a document?

If the signer does not have acceptable identification (Correct answer)
If the document is incomplete (Correct answer)
If the document is written in a foreign language

Correct answer: If the signer does not have acceptable identification

A notary must always ensure that the signer appears before them and either signs the document in their presence or acknowledges their signature. If a document is pre-signed, the notary cannot simply notarize it. The correct procedure is to ask the signer to sign again in the notary's presence, or to acknowledge that the pre-existing signature is theirs, allowing the notary to properly complete the notarial act.

Question 15: A notary public in Indiana has recently updated their official seal. Which of the following elements is required to be on the seal?

The notary's commission number. (Correct answer)
The notary's county of residence.
The address of the notary's place of business.
A picture of the Indiana state flag.

Correct answer: The notary's commission number.

According to Indiana Code 33-42-10-2, the official seal of a notary public must include: the words 'Notary Public,' 'State of Indiana,' the notary's name as it appears on the commission, the commission number, and the commission expiration date.

Question 16: What should an Indiana notary do if a signer appears to be under pressure or coercion from another person present during the notarization?

Simply note the concern in the journal and proceed with the notarization
Ask the third party to step outside and speak with the signer alone to assess whether they are acting voluntarily (Correct answer)
Proceed with the notarization if the signer does not verbally object
Inform the third party that coercion is illegal and then proceed

Correct answer: Ask the third party to step outside and speak with the signer alone to assess whether they are acting voluntarily

A notary should ask the third party to step outside and assess whether the signer is acting freely and voluntarily before proceeding.

Question 17: What should an Indiana notary do if asked to perform an act that is not authorized by law?

Ask for additional payment to cover the risk
Refer the person to another notary
Perform the act if it seems reasonable
Refuse to perform the act and explain that it is not authorized (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the act and explain that it is not authorized

Certifying translations is an act that Indiana notaries are not authorized to perform. A notary's role is to verify signatures and administer oaths, not to attest to the accuracy or completeness of a translation, which requires specialized linguistic expertise. While a notary can notarize an affidavit from a translator swearing to the accuracy of their translation, the notary cannot certify the translation itself.

Question 18: When performing an acknowledgment, what is the notary public's primary responsibility?

To verify the document's contents
To confirm the identity of the signer and that they voluntarily signed the document (Correct answer)
To fill out the document if the signer is unable to do so
To ensure the document is legally binding

Correct answer: To confirm the identity of the signer and that they voluntarily signed the document

When performing an acknowledgment, a notary public's primary duty is to confirm the identity of the signer and ensure they voluntarily signed the document. The notary attests that the person appearing before them is indeed the individual named in the document and that their signature was given freely. This process is crucial for preventing fraud and upholding the integrity of legal documents, as the notary is not responsible for verifying the document's contents or legality.

Question 19: A repeat client pressures an Indiana notary, saying 'You've always done this for me before — just sign it without making me appear in person.' What must the notary do?

Require the client to appear in person, regardless of past interactions or client pressure (Correct answer)
Accommodate the trusted client as a professional courtesy since identity is already established
Ask a colleague to vouch for the client's identity in lieu of personal appearance
Allow an exception if the client provides a copy of their ID via email instead

Correct answer: Require the client to appear in person, regardless of past interactions or client pressure

Indiana law requires the signer to personally appear before the notary at the time of notarization. This requirement exists to verify identity, assess willingness, and detect incapacity — none of which can be done remotely. Prior dealings do not create an exception.

Question 20: An Indiana notary serves on the volunteer board of a small nonprofit organization. The organization is applying for a grant, and the application requires the notarized signature of the board's treasurer. The notary is asked to perform the notarization. The notary has no financial stake and is not the signer. What should the notary do?

Ask the treasurer to sign, and then complete the notarization after the board meeting.
Notarize the signature since they are not receiving any personal financial benefit.
Refuse to notarize the signature due to a conflict of interest. (Correct answer)
Notarize the signature but add a note in their journal about their board membership.

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the signature due to a conflict of interest.

Indiana Code 33-42-14-6 prohibits a notary from performing a notarial act if the notary is a party to or is named in the record. As a member of the board of directors for the nonprofit, the notary is considered a party to the transaction, creating a disqualifying interest. The notary must refuse to avoid a conflict of interest.

Question 21: Can an Indiana notary notarize a document that has been previously notarized by another notary?

No, unless the first notarization is officially voided
Yes, but only if the original notary is deceased
No, a document can only be notarized once
Yes, a document may require multiple notarizations for different signers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, a document may require multiple notarizations for different signers

A document may be notarized multiple times, such as when different signers appear before different notaries at different times.

Question 22: Under Indiana law, which notarial act requires the signer to make a declaration under penalty of perjury?

Acknowledgment
Signature witnessing
Jurat (Correct answer)
Copy certification

Correct answer: Jurat

A jurat (or verification on oath or affirmation) requires the signer to swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that the document's contents are true.

Question 23: A person lives in Ohio but is regularly employed full-time at a company in Indianapolis, Indiana. Are they eligible to apply for an Indiana notary commission?

Yes, because regular employment in Indiana satisfies the residency-or-employment requirement (Correct answer)
No, only individuals who reside in Indiana may obtain a commission
Only if they own real property located in Indiana
Only if they have previously held a notary commission in another state

Correct answer: Yes, because regular employment in Indiana satisfies the residency-or-employment requirement

Indiana law allows a commission to anyone who is either a resident of Indiana OR regularly employed in Indiana. Living in a neighboring state while working in Indiana meets the employment-based eligibility requirement.

Question 24: An Indiana notary notices that a document appears to have been altered after it was originally signed. What is the proper course of action?

Refuse to notarize and suggest the signer obtain a clean copy (Correct answer)
Note the alterations in the notarial certificate
Contact law enforcement immediately
Notarize it anyway since the signer is present

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize and suggest the signer obtain a clean copy

If a document shows signs of alteration, the notary should refuse to notarize it and recommend the signer obtain an unaltered copy.

Question 25: A key difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat in Indiana is that for a jurat, the notary must:

Verify the signer's identity through a government-issued ID.
Record the notarial act in a journal.
Ensure the document is signed before the signer appears.
Administer an oath or affirmation to the signer. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Administer an oath or affirmation to the signer.

The primary purpose of a jurat, also known as a verification on oath or affirmation, is for the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true. This requires the notary to administer a spoken oath or affirmation. While identity verification is required for most notarial acts and journaling is a best practice, administering an oath is specific to a jurat.

Question 26: What should an Indiana notary do with their journal if their commission expires and they do not renew?

Destroy the journal to protect signer privacy
Transfer the journal to another active notary in their office
Submit the journal to the Indiana Secretary of State's office
Retain the journal for the required 10-year period even after the commission expires (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Retain the journal for the required 10-year period even after the commission expires

Even after a commission expires, the notary must retain the journal for the full 10-year retention period from the last entry.

Question 27: When performing a jurat in Indiana, what must the notary ensure?

The document is notarized within 30 days of signing
The signer personally appears and signs in the notary's presence (Correct answer)
The signer has had the document reviewed by an attorney
The signer provides two forms of identification

Correct answer: The signer personally appears and signs in the notary's presence

A jurat requires that the signer personally appear before the notary and sign the document in the notary's presence.

Question 28: Which of the following is an acceptable method of identity verification under Indiana's RON law?

The notary's personal knowledge alone, without any technology-based verification
Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) combined with credential analysis of the signer's government-issued ID (Correct answer)
The signer holding up their ID to the camera without any automated verification
A simple typed statement by the signer confirming their identity

Correct answer: Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) combined with credential analysis of the signer's government-issued ID

Indiana RON law requires multi-factor identity proofing including knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and credential analysis.

Question 29: An Indiana notary uses a social media post falsely implying they can help clients obtain visas and green cards. Is this permissible?

Yes, advertising is protected speech and notaries may advertise any services they believe they can help with
No, this constitutes false and misleading advertising and may also suggest unauthorized practice of law (Correct answer)
Yes, if the notary only charges the standard $10 notarial fee
No, but only if the post reaches more than 100 people

Correct answer: No, this constitutes false and misleading advertising and may also suggest unauthorized practice of law

False advertising implying immigration legal services is prohibited regardless of medium — it misleads the public and implies unauthorized practice of law.

Question 30: An Indiana notary has personal knowledge that a signer is not the person they claim to be. The signer presents a valid-looking ID. What must the notary do?

Call the police before making any decision
Accept the ID at face value and proceed since the ID appears valid
Refuse to perform the notarial act because the notary has information suggesting the signer is not who they claim (Correct answer)
Accept the ID and note their concerns in the journal without refusing

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarial act because the notary has information suggesting the signer is not who they claim

A notary who has actual personal knowledge that the signer is not who they claim to be must refuse the notarial act regardless of what ID is presented.

Question 31: A notary public who is not a licensed attorney advertises their services in a local Spanish-language newspaper. Which of the following is a prohibited act related to this advertisement?

Failing to display their commission expiration date.
Using the term "notario publico" in the advertisement. (Correct answer)
Listing the maximum statutory fee of $10 per notarial act.
Advertising in a language other than English.

Correct answer: Using the term "notario publico" in the advertisement.

Indiana Code 33-42-13-3(c) explicitly prohibits a notary public who is not an attorney from using the term "notario" or "notario publico". This is to prevent the fraudulent misrepresentation that the notary can provide legal advice, as the term implies legal authority in many Latin American countries. All advertisements must also contain a specific disclosure stating they are not an attorney.

Question 32: What is the effect of a signer lying under oath administered by an Indiana notary?

It has no legal consequence beyond the specific document
The signer may be charged with perjury under Indiana law (Correct answer)
Only the notary faces legal consequences for allowing a false oath
The document is automatically void but no criminal liability attaches

Correct answer: The signer may be charged with perjury under Indiana law

A person who makes a false statement under oath administered by a notary may be charged with perjury under Indiana criminal law.

Question 33: Can multiple claims be filed against a single Indiana notary's surety bond?

No, only one claim per bond is allowed
Yes, and each claimant can receive up to the full bond amount
No, the bond covers only one incident
Yes, but total payouts cannot exceed the bond amount (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, but total payouts cannot exceed the bond amount

Multiple claims can be filed, but the total payouts from the surety company are limited to the bond amount ($25,000).

Question 34: An individual is considering applying to be an Indiana notary. Which of the following would NOT be a reason for disqualification?

A previous misdemeanor conviction from 10 years ago with a 3-month sentence. (Correct answer)
A civil ruling against the individual involving fraud.
A conviction for dishonesty.
Holding a lucrative federal government office.

Correct answer: A previous misdemeanor conviction from 10 years ago with a 3-month sentence.

Indiana law disqualifies applicants for convictions involving deceit, dishonesty, or fraud, or for convictions where the sentence exceeded six months. A 3-month sentence does not meet this specific disqualification threshold. Holding a lucrative public office is also a disqualifier.

Indiana Notary Public Exam

The Indiana Notary Public Exam tests applicants on Indiana notary laws, proper notarial acts, recordkeeping, and ethical responsibilities required to become a commissioned notary in the state of Indiana.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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in.gov — Test delivery, eligibility, exam format, passing score, renewal, retake policy · verified Oct 2026