Notary Public Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN
Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online)
Free
Immediate (online)
State of Indiana
3 stopsIndiana Notary Public Commission (Secretary of State / INBiz)
Apply for an Indiana notary public commission through the Indiana Secretary of State's INBiz portal. You must be at least 18, be a legal Indiana resident or be primarily employed in Indiana, and have no disqualifying convictions involving deceit, dishonesty, or fraud. All notaries must maintain a surety bond of at least $25,000, and every applicant must take a notary education course and pass an exam, both available after the application fee is paid. The commission lasts 8 years.
Official government source$75 initial or renewal application fee (covers the required education course and exam), plus the cost of the $25,000 surety bond. Continuing education is $50 per course, with three courses required across the 8-year term.INBiz does not publish a processing time. The education course and exam must be completed after the fee is paid, so allow time for both before the commission is issued.
$75 initial or renewal application fee (covers the required education course and exam), plus the cost of the $25,000 surety bond. Continuing education is $50 per course, with three courses required across the 8-year term.
INBiz does not publish a processing time. The education course and exam must be completed after the fee is paid, so allow time for both before the commission is issued.
Indiana Notary Bond ($25,000) and Commission
Every Indiana notary must file a $25,000 surety bond certificate. Since the 2018 law change the bond and the commission application are submitted online through the Secretary of State's INBiz notary portal — county circuit court clerks are not involved. The application also requires an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record no older than 30 days and completion of the required education exam.
Official government sourceBond premium is set by the private surety, not the state. State charges: $75 application fee, $16.32 Limited Criminal History Record, and $50 continuing education every two yearsAllow 5-10 business days for the state to process the application after the education exam is passed
Bond premium is set by the private surety, not the state. State charges: $75 application fee, $16.32 Limited Criminal History Record, and $50 continuing education every two years
Allow 5-10 business days for the state to process the application after the education exam is passed
Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Optional)
Indiana does not require notaries to carry Errors & Omissions insurance. The Secretary of State requires a $25,000 surety bond, and lists E&O separately as an optional cost that is not included in the stated total commission cost. E&O covers the notary personally against claims arising from unintentional mistakes, whereas the surety bond protects the public and must be repaid by the notary. Coverage of $25,000 to $100,000 is typical and is sold by notary supply vendors and the National Notary Association; the state neither sells nor recommends providers.
Official government source$40–$80/year typical market premium for $25,000–$100,000 coverage; not a state fee. Required state costs are the $75 commission application, $16.32 criminal history record and a $25,000 surety bondImmediate
$40–$80/year typical market premium for $25,000–$100,000 coverage; not a state fee. Required state costs are the $75 commission application, $16.32 criminal history record and a $25,000 surety bond
Immediate
City of Evansville / Vanderburgh County
1 stopNo Evansville Business License for Notary Businesses
Evansville does not require a general business license for a standalone notary business. The city's licensing list covers only specific regulated activities and does not include notary services. Notaries are commissioned at the state level by the Indiana Secretary of State.
Official government sourceNot applicable (city level); state notary commission fee applies separatelyNot applicable
Not applicable (city level); state notary commission fee applies separately
Not applicable
Terminus
Open for business — est. $75–$350 · 2–4 weeks to complete all steps and receive commission
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