The state of Indiana recently issued some revisions to its notarization laws pertaining to the verification of the truthfulness in the signer.
According to the new laws, the notary must have the signer appear personally, to be identified and verbally, and swear the oath and sign before the notary. This oath can’t be done on someone else’s behalf—including a corporation—or via phone or video conference. In order for a notary to administer an oath, the person making that oath must be physically in front of them and the notary should ask for photo identification.
In addition to the changes to the rules pertaining to taking an oath, the state of Indiana also made changes to the new electronic signature requirements. Only the notary can type their name now, and the following words must be included: seal; Notary Public, State of Indiana; Commision No.; and my commission expires. All of this criteria must be met for the document to be valid.
Indiana requires all notaries to purchase and maintain a bond. That number used to be $5,000. With these new changes, it’s $25,000. If any damages caused by the notary exceed $25,000, the notary is held responsible for those damages. Connor Reporting highly recommends errors and omissions insurance.
Continuing education may be required depending on a notary’s expiration date. Also, every state is different when it comes to notary law. Connor Reporting highly recommends checking to see if any changes have occurred in your state. You can search and read about the Notary Laws in your state here.
If you have any questions about your state notary, and how this new law may or may not impact you. Give us a call at 317.236.6022.
