To become an Ohio Notary, you must complete the following steps:
- Meet the state's requirements.
- Get a criminal records check.
- Take the required Notary training course and pass the exam.
- Complete the application on the SOS website.
- Receive your commission via email.
- Buy your official Ohio Notary stamp.
About the Ohio Notary Process
An Ohio Notary commission lasts for five years. Learn more about the Notary Public application process in the Buckeye State.
Cost to Become an OH Notary
The cost to become an Ohio Notary Public is approximately $248. However, this cost may vary depending on where you purchase your Notary seal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Criminal records check |
$22 |
| Notary training course and exam |
$130 |
| Application submission fee |
$15 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$248 |
Commission Processing Time
The timing can vary based on the vendors you choose to work with. However, you have six months from receiving your criminal records check to complete all steps of the Notary application process. Once the six-month mark has passed, you’ll need to restart the application process from the beginning.
Ohio Notary Public Requirements
Read on below to learn how you can qualify to become an OH Notary.
Eligibility
To qualify to become a Notary in Ohio, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Ohio or a non-resident attorney who practices law in Ohio and whose principal place of business or practice is in Ohio
- Not have any disqualifying offenses on your record
What is considered a disqualifying offense?
Generally, disqualifying offenses are crimes of moral turpitude, fraud, theft, sexual and other violent crimes. In Ohio, the specific offenses are defined in section 4776.10 and Chapter 2913 of the Revised Code. The Secretary of State's website also has an overview chart of disqualifying offenses.
It is up to the Secretary of State to use its discretion to determine if a particular offense disqualifies an applicant from a Notary commission.
Criminal Records Check
Get a criminal records check by visiting an authorized agent of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI). Make sure to request 147.022 as the reason code to ensure the proper search is conducted, and it also instructs the Webcheck® location to provide you with the report directly.
Submit this report with your Notary application within six months.
Please note: Peace officers are not required to obtain a criminal records check.
Notary Training
Applicants for an Ohio Notary Public commission are required to take a three-hour Notary training course from a state-approved education and testing provider.
Exam
After completing the Notary class, you'll need to take and pass an exam administered by the education provider you chose for the training.
If you don't pass on your first try, you'll have to wait 30 days to retake it. If you don’t pass the second time, you'll need to restart the application process from the beginning.
Attorneys applying to become an Ohio Notary do not need to pass an exam.
Application
Create an account on the Secretary of State's website to complete your Notary application. Upload a PDF copy of your criminal records check, your course and test certificates, and an image of your signature. Pay the $15 submission fee.
You’ll receive your commission certificate via email. The email will include instructions from the Secretary of State regarding your oath of office.
Notary Supplies
Once you have your Notary commission, you'll need to buy an official Notary seal, which can either be a stamp or an embosser. The seal must contain the following information:
- The coat of arms of the state within a circle that is at least ¾" but not larger than 1" in diameter
- The words "Notary Public," "Notarial Seal" or words to that effect
- Your name (you could also print, type or stamp your name near your signature instead of displaying it on your seal)
- The words "State of Ohio"
If you want to use an embosser, you'll also need an inker to make the impression of your seal visible when photocopied.
Ohio Notary Public FAQs
Wondering if you can notarize for a spouse or how much you can charge? Check out the answers below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Secretary of State handles Notary commissions as well as remote online Notary authorizations.
Secretary of State
180 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
The Notary Modernization Act transferred this responsibility from Ohio's 88 counties to the Ohio Secretary of State's Office, located in Columbus, OH.
Is a Notary journal required?
While using a Notary journal to keep track of your traditional notarizations is recommended by the state, it's not required by law.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
A surety bond is not required in Ohio.
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional. Notary E&O insurance helps protect you if you make an unintentional mistake or a false claim is filed against you. Your E&O policy will cover your legal fees and awarded damages up to the coverage amount you select.
Where will I be able to notarize?
Ohio Notaries can practice throughout the state.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization, such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity.
You cannot notarize your own signature or perform a notarization if you have a conflict of interest.
How much can OH Notaries charge for their services?
Ohio Notaries may charge $5 per notarial act. A reasonable travel fee may be charged, but only if you and the signer agree to it in advance.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
You must inform the Ohio Secretary of State of any name or address changes within 30 days. Log into your account and follow the steps online.
For name changes, you'll need to upload a copy of your new signature that matches your new name and pay a $2 fee. Your commission will be emailed to you.
There is no fee for an address change.
How do I renew my Notary commission in Ohio?
The renewal process in Ohio is similar to the process of becoming a new Notary. The differences are that the education course is reduced to one hour, you aren't required to take another exam and it only costs $45.
You can renew your Ohio Notary commission three months prior to your current commission's expiration date.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Ohio?
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Last updated: Jul 16, 2024