USA MADE IN THE USA

ALL ORDERS SHIP NEXT BUSINESS DAY

CONTACT US

Notary Requirements for Ohio: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Hocking Hills Falls in Ohio

This guide provides detailed information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Ohio as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, new commission application, surety bond and other processes and requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To become an Ohio notary public, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years old.

  • Residency or Ohio Office: Ohio resident, OR a non-resident attorney licensed in Ohio with their principal place of business or primary law practice in Ohio.

  • Good Character & Criminal History: No disqualifying offenses (crimes of moral turpitude or violations of Ohio’s fraud/theft laws). A background check is required for non-attorneys.

  • Other Qualifications: Able to read/write English, understand notary duties, and no prior revocation of a notary commission or professional license for cause.

Ohio attorneys are exempt from the background check and examination but must complete education.

Ohio Notary Stamp and Seal - Prostamps

Get a notary stamp that meets Ohio’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.

Order Ohio Notary Stamp

Application Process for a New Notary Commission

Ohio’s process is centralized through the Secretary of State’s (SOS) online system.

  1. Obtain a Background Check: Request a civilian criminal record check (BCI report), no more than 6 months old, showing no disqualifying offenses. (Ohio attorneys exempt; peace officers may substitute OPOTA certificate).

  2. Complete Mandatory Education & Testing: Non-attorney applicants must complete a 3-hour SOS-approved training course and pass an exam from an authorized provider. Licensed Ohio attorneys must take the 3-hour class but are exempt from the exam. Obtain a certificate of completion/test passage.

  3. Submit the Application Online: Via the SOS Notary Portal (OhioSoS.gov/Notary), select “File Notary Commission Application.” Fill out the form and upload PDF copies of: (a) background check report, (b) education & test certificate, and (c) an image of your signature. The application includes an oath. The filing fee is $15.00, payable electronically.

  4. Receive Commission Certificate: Upon approval (notified by email), the SOS issues your notary public commission certificate, usually delivered electronically.

  5. Take Oath of Office: Before acting as a notary, take the oath of office (see details below) and obtain a notary seal.

The Notary Modernization Act of 2019 eliminated county court applications.

Surety Bond Requirements

Ohio does not require a surety bond for a standard notary public commission. However, effective 2024-2025, a notary wishing to notarize electronic estate planning documents (e.g., electronic wills, e-powers of attorney) must first obtain a $25,000 surety bond AND a $25,000 errors & omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Proof of this bond and insurance must be filed with the SOS before performing such notarizations. Failure to maintain this specific coverage can lead to commission suspension/revocation. For most routine notarizations, no bond is required.

Notary Seal

Ohio law requires every notary to obtain an official notarial seal.

  • Specifications:

    • Must include the Great Seal of the State of Ohio (Ohio coat of arms) in the center, within a circular border.

    • Circle must be ¾ inch to 1 inch in diameter.

    • Contain, surrounding the coat of arms: “Notary Public,” “Notarial Seal” (or similar), the notary’s name, and “State of Ohio.”

    • May be a rubber ink stamp (black or blue ink) or an embosser. Most use an inked stamp.

    • Notary's name can be on the seal or printed/typed near the signature on documents.

  • Show proof of commission to purchase. Every notarized document must bear the seal (except electronic notarizations use an e-seal).

  • Notaries commissioned before September 20, 2019, could use old seals until expiration, then must obtain compliant seals.

Journal (Record of Notarial Acts)

  • Traditional (Paper) Notarizations: Ohio law does not require a journal. However, the SOS strongly recommends keeping a chronological journal as a best practice for protection and record-keeping.

  • Remote Online Notarizations (RON): An electronic journal is required by law. It must record details of each online notarization and be maintained according to specific retention and security rules.

Oath of Office and Recording the Commission

  • Oath of Office: Before notarizing, the notary must take an oath of office. This oath is typically printed on the commission certificate received from the SOS. The notary signs this oath ("taken and subscribed") before an official authorized to administer oaths (another notary, judge, etc.). Retain this signed commission certificate. No separate county filing of the oath is required.

  • Recording the Commission: Ohio no longer requires notaries to record their commission with county offices. The SOS maintains the statewide notary registry, which serves as the official record.

Commission Term and Expiration

  • Standard Term (Non-Attorneys): Five (5) years from the commission issuance date, unless revoked.

  • Term for Attorneys: An Ohio attorney’s notary commission continues indefinitely as long as they remain an Ohio-licensed attorney in good standing and meet Ohio residency/principal business requirements. They do not "renew" their base commission.

  • Commencement: Authority begins upon commission issuance, oath completion, and seal acquisition. Jurisdiction is statewide.

  • Resignation/Moving: Resign via the online portal if no longer wishing to be a notary or if becoming ineligible (e.g., non-attorney moves out of Ohio).

  • Name/Address Changes: Report to SOS within 30 days via online portal (no fee). Name changes require proof and a new seal.

  • Seal/Journal upon End of Commission: Destroy or deface seal upon expiration without renewal, resignation, or revocation.

Commission Renewal Process (Non-Attorneys)

Renew within 3 months (90 days) before expiration. No grace period after expiration (must reapply as new if lapsed).

  1. Background Check: Obtain a new BCI criminal records check (within 6 months of renewal).

  2. Renewal Education: Complete a 1-hour SOS-approved refresher class (no exam required for renewal). Obtain completion certificate. (Attorneys typically exempt).

  3. Apply Online: Via Ohio notary portal ("Notary Commission Renewal Application"). Upload new background check, 1-hour class certificate, and updated signature image if changed. Filing fee is $15.00.

  4. After Renewal: Receive updated commission certificate. Continue using existing seal if compliant and information is current (Ohio seals often don't show expiration date). Note new expiration date.

Attorneys do not renew their base commission but must renew RON authorization every 5 years if applicable.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Ohio

Requires separate RON authorization from the SOS. Notary must be an Ohio resident.

  1. RON Authorization Application Process:

    • Training & Exam: Complete a 2-hour SOS-approved online notarization course and pass a RON exam. Obtain certificate.

    • Technology: Select an RON platform compliant with Ohio requirements.

    • Apply Online: Submit "Remote Online Notarization Authorization Application" via SOS portal. Upload RON course/exam certificate, describe technology. Filing fee is $20.00.

  2. Term of RON Authorization: Expires concurrently with notary commission for non-attorneys. For attorneys, RON authorization term is five years and must be renewed.

  3. RON Renewal: Complete a 1-hour RON refresher course (no exam). Submit RON renewal application online, upload certificate, pay $20 fee.

  4. RON Platform and Technical Requirements (Ohio Administrative Code 111:6-1-05):

    • Two-way live, continuous, secure audio-video communication.

    • Identity verification: Credential analysis of signer’s ID and identity proofing (e.g., KBA) unless notary personally knows signer.

    • Electronic document signing with electronic notary seal and digital signature; tamper-evident.

    • Recording of entire audio-video session, retained by notary (often via platform) for a specified period (e.g., 10 years).

  5. Signer Identification for RON: Live appearance via audio-video, presentation of valid photo ID, credential analysis by platform, plus identity proofing (e.g., KBA).

  6. Notary’s Location: Must be physically in Ohio during RON. Signer can be anywhere.

  7. Electronic Journal: Mandatory for all RON acts. Record details like date/time, client, document, ID method, fee.

  8. Permitted/Prohibited Acts:

    • Electronic Estate Planning Documents: Requires notary to have $25,000 surety bond and $25,000 E&O insurance on file with SOS.

    • Real Estate Documents: Allowed; electronically notarized documents accepted for recording with proper authenticator certificate if papered out.

    • Cannot certify copies of vital records.

  9. Fees for RON: Up to $30 per remote online notarial act, plus an optional technology fee up to $10 (total max $40). Standard in-person notarization fee is max $5.

Official Resources

  • Ohio Secretary of State – Notary Public Division: ohiosos.gov/Notary (official hub).

  • Notary Application Online Portal: notary.ohiosos.gov (for all filings).

  • Ohio Revised Code Chapter 147: Primary notary laws.

  • Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 111:6-1: Notary rules.

  • Contact SOS Notary Commission Office: Email notary@OhioSoS.gov; Phone (614) 644-4559.

  • Authorized Education Providers: Listed on SOS website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much can an Ohio notary charge for their services?

A: Max $5.00 per standard traditional notarial act. For Remote Online Notarizations (RON), up to $30.00 per act, plus an optional $10 technology fee. Travel fees by separate agreement.

Q: Do I need to purchase a notary seal or stamp, and what happens if I lose it?

A: Yes, an official seal/stamp meeting Ohio specs is mandatory. If lost/stolen, no formal state reporting is required, but obtain a new one immediately and consider notifying SOS/law enforcement if misuse is feared. Destroy old/expired seals.

Q: Is a notary journal required in Ohio?

A: Not legally required for traditional (paper) notarizations, but highly recommended by SOS. An electronic journal IS required by law for all Remote Online Notarizations.

Q: What if I change my name or address?

A: File a Notary Commission Amendment online with SOS within 30 days. No fee for name/address changes. Name changes require proof (e.g., marriage certificate) and a new seal with the new name.

Q: My commission expired and I forgot to renew. Can I renew it late?

A: No. Ohio does not allow late renewals. If expired, you must reapply as a new notary (full initial process including 3-hour class and exam).

Q: Can I perform notarizations for documents from other states or for people who are out of state?

A: Yes, as long as the notarization itself is performed while you (the notary) are physically within Ohio. For RON, the signer can be anywhere.

Q: I’m an Ohio notary. Can I also perform marriage ceremonies or other acts?

A: No, Ohio notaries are not authorized to officiate weddings. Stick to authorized notarial acts (acknowledgments, oaths, etc.). Cannot "certify" copies of vital records.

Q: What should I do if I encounter a notarization situation that I’m unsure about or if I make a mistake on a notarial certificate?

A: Pause and seek guidance from SOS Notary Division or the Notary FAQ. For minor errors on a certificate (before release), neatly line through, correct, and initial. If found later, usually requires re-doing the notarization.

Always consult official Ohio SOS resources for the most current laws and guidelines.

Back to News