Closing Table Tip: What to Bring to Closing Day in Indiana
Missy Horner
President, Empire Title Services | 20+ Years Experience
Quick Checklist
Everyone: Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
Buyers: Certified funds or wire confirmation — confirm method and amount with your title company in advance.
Wire transfers: Always verify instructions by calling the title company directly before sending money.
Closing day has a way of feeling like a finish line — and it mostly is. But arriving without the right documents or funds can bring everything to a stop before the ink dries on a single page.
A little preparation before closing day makes a big difference at the table. Here is what buyers and sellers in Indiana should know before they walk through the door.
What Everyone Needs: Valid Photo ID
Buyers and sellers both need a valid, government-issued photo ID at closing. This is not optional — the notary is required to verify your identity before you can sign any closing documents.
Driver's License
Must be current and not expired
State-Issued ID
Current, government-issued
U.S. Passport
Accepted even if expired less than 5 years
If your ID is expired, get it renewed before closing day — not the morning of. Surprises at the closing table are rarely the good kind.
What Buyers Need: Funds to Close
Buyers typically need to bring funds for the down payment, closing costs, and any prepaid items — the exact amount will be on your Closing Disclosure, which your lender is required to provide at least three business days before closing.
How those funds arrive at the closing table depends on your title company's and lender's instructions. Most closings require one of the following:
Certified Cashier's Check
Made payable to the title company. Confirm the exact payable name and amount directly with your title company — not with your agent or lender.
Wire Transfer
Sent before or on closing day. If you wire funds, bring your wire confirmation showing the amount sent and the receiving bank's confirmation.
Personal Check
Only accepted for small amounts — typically under a threshold set by the title company. Do not assume a personal check will be accepted for your full cash-to-close amount.
Confirm the method, the exact amount, and any deadlines with your title company — ideally a few days before closing, not the morning of. This gives time to resolve any issues before they become closing-day problems.
Wire Fraud Warning: Verify Before You Send
Always verify wire instructions before sending money
Wire fraud in real estate is real and it is growing. Scammers monitor real estate transactions and send convincing fake emails that appear to come from your title company, agent, or lender — complete with updated wire instructions that route money directly to the fraudster's account.
Unfortunately, scammers also discovered real estate closings, because apparently they needed a hobby.
Before sending any wire transfer:
If you ever feel uncertain about wire instructions you received, stop and call the title company before doing anything else. A short phone call is far easier than recovering wired funds — which, once sent to a fraudster's account, are extremely difficult to recover.
A Few Other Things That Can Help
Beyond ID and funds, a few other items can make closing day go more smoothly:
Your Closing Disclosure
Review it before arriving so you are not seeing the numbers for the first time at the table.
Contact info for your lender
In case a question comes up that the title company needs to verify with your lender quickly.
Your checkbook (just in case)
Small last-minute adjustments occasionally require a personal check for minor amounts.
Any documents your lender requested
Some lenders ask buyers to bring specific signed or executed forms to closing. Check your email the day before.
A copy of your homeowner's insurance binder
Lenders require proof of insurance at closing. Most have already received it, but having a copy available never hurts.
Patience and a snack
Closings can take 30 to 90 minutes. Bring something to keep your energy up while you sign your name approximately 47 times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to closing in Indiana?
Buyers and sellers typically need a valid government-issued photo ID. Buyers may also need certified funds or wire confirmation depending on lender and title company instructions. Always confirm exactly what you need with your title company before closing day.
Do I need certified funds or a wire transfer for closing?
It depends on your title company's and lender's instructions. Many closings require certified funds (cashier's check) or wire transfer for amounts above a certain threshold. Confirm the method and exact amount with your title company well before closing day.
How can I avoid wire fraud at closing?
Always verify wire instructions by calling your title company directly using a phone number you look up yourself — not a number from the email. Never send money based solely on emailed wire instructions, even if the email looks legitimate. Wire fraud in real estate is a real and growing threat.
What happens if I forget to bring my ID to closing?
Without a valid photo ID, the notary cannot verify your identity and the signing cannot proceed. Always bring a current, government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or passport — to closing.
Missy Horner
President, Empire Title Services
With over 20 years of experience in Indiana and Ohio real estate closings, Missy Horner leads Empire Title Services in providing expert title insurance, property searches, and closing coordination. A trusted resource for real estate agents, lenders, and homeowners throughout Wayne, Randolph, and Henry counties.