Using the Right Name is Vital
It is very important to follow laws when using your Indiana notary supplies. While being eligible to become a notary in Indiana is easy, you can quickly experience problems and lose the right to use your Indiana notary supplies if you do not follow the law exactly.
One way that notaries in Indiana can break the law is not to use the name that is found on their commission. When you filled out your commission paperwork, the Secretary of State highly recommended that you use either your first name, middle initial, and last name or your first initial, middle name, and last name.
When using your Indiana notary supplies, it is vital that you use that same combination. They are trusting you so it is essential that you use the right name when signing. If you get married or divorced and sign your name, you have 60 days to change your name on your commission. Meanwhile, use your commission name for official use.
Conflicts of Interest and Special Circumstances
You are never allowed to notarize a document that you have any interest in the business. For example, you cannot buy a house and use your Indiana notary supplies to notarize your own paperwork.
If a blind person asks you to use to act as a notary public, then you must read the entire document to them before you can use your Indiana notary supplies. This ensures that the person knows exactly what is on the document.
Likewise, you must never use your Indiana notary supplies to do your work as a notary
public when the person’s first language is not English. In that case, the person must have the document translated into a language that they do understand before you can do your job as a notary with your Indiana notary supplies.Anytime that you take an affidavit, you must ask if the person is telling the truth. It is strictly against the law to use your Indiana notary supplies when a person will not acknowledge that they are telling the truth. Likewise, you must never use your Indiana notary supplies until you have asked the person to show you an official ID. If they refuse, then someone else must testify that person is who they claim to be or the person must take an oath swearing that they are who they claim. If the person is unwilling to do so, then you may deny them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important Indiana notary stamp requirements?
Indiana notaries must use a notary stamp or seal that matches state requirements and includes the correct commission information. It should be used consistently on official notarizations, and the name on the seal should match the name on your commission.
Do I have to use the exact name on my Indiana notary commission?
Yes. When notarizing documents, you must sign and use the same name that appears on your commission. If your name changes because of marriage or divorce, you must update your commission within 60 days and continue using your commissioned name until it is changed.
Can I notarize documents for myself or for a transaction I’m involved in?
No. Indiana notaries cannot notarize any document in which they have a financial or personal interest. For example, you cannot notarize paperwork related to your own home purchase or any other transaction where you are a party.
What should I do if a signer is blind and needs notarization in Indiana?
If a signer is blind, you must read the entire document to them before notarizing. This helps ensure they understand the contents of the document before you use your Indiana notary supplies.
Can I notarize a document for someone who does not speak English?
Not unless the signer fully understands the document. If the person’s first language is not English, the document should be translated into a language they understand before you perform the notarization.
What identification is needed for a notarization in Indiana?
You must ask the signer to show official ID before notarizing. If they cannot provide ID, a credible witness may be able to identify them, or they may need to take an oath swearing to their identity. If they cannot do either, you may deny the notarization.
