Home > Become a Notary > How to Become an Ohio Notary

How to Become a Notary in Ohio

To become a notary in Ohio, you must:

  1. Meet the eligibility requirements listed in the next section.
  2. Order an Ohio criminal records check (BCI Report). Attorneys licensed to practice law in Ohio and peace officers are exempt from this requirement.
  3. Complete a three-hour education program and pass a test from an approved vendor. Click here for a list of approved vendors. Attorneys licensed to practice law in Ohio are exempt from the testing requirement.
  4. Complete a notary application on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
  5. Upload the following documents when completing your online notary application:
    • A sample of your signature.
    • Your BCI report (must be issued within the last six months).
    • Your notary education and testing certificates of completion (must be issued within the last twelve months).
    • Your Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate in .pdf format (if applicable).
  6. Pay a $15 fee to submit your notary application.
  7. Take the oath of office after receiving your notary commission certificate from the Ohio Secretary of State.

Who can become a notary public in Ohio?

To become a notary public in Ohio, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Be a legal resident of Ohio. If you are not an Ohio resident, you must be an attorney admitted to practice law in Ohio by the Ohio Supreme Court and maintain your principal place of business or primary practice in Ohio.
  3. Submit a criminal records check (BCI Report) completed within the past six months, as required by Section 147.022 of the Ohio Revised Code, showing that you have not been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to a disqualifying offense as defined in Section 9.79 of the Revised Code.
  4. Complete an education program and pass the required test administered by an entity authorized by the Ohio Secretary of State, as outlined in Section 147.021 of the Revised Code.

This Ohio notary guide will help you understand:

  1. Who can become a notary in Ohio.
  2. How to become a notary in Ohio.
  3. How to become an electronic notary in Ohio.
  4. How to become a remote online notary in Ohio.
  5. The basic duties of a notary in Ohio.
Apply Online Renew Online

How do I renew my notary commission in Ohio?

You may renew your Ohio notary commission up to three months before your current commission expires.

To renew, you are required to complete a one-hour education program and then follow the same steps as when you first applied for a notary commission, except you are not required to take the test.

The Ohio Secretary of State will not renew your notary commission if your renewal application is received after the expiration date. In that case, you must submit a new notary commission application. Additionally, you are not eligible for reappointment if your commission has been revoked by the Ohio Secretary of State.

Who appoints notaries in Ohio?

The Ohio Secretary of State processes notary applications, issues notary commissions, maintains the online database of notaries, approves the entities to administer the educational program and related test, and maintains all records regarding notaries.

Ohio Secretary of State
Business Services Division
Ohio Notary Public Commission and Special Police Commissions

180 Civic Center Dr.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 644-4559

Can a non-resident of Ohio apply for a commission as a notary public?

Only non-resident attorneys admitted to practice law in Ohio by the Ohio Supreme Court may apply for a notary commission. To qualify for an Ohio notary commission, the attorney must have their principal place of business or primary practice located in Ohio, be in good standing before the Ohio Supreme Court, and not have had their commission revoked.

How long is a notary public's commission term in Ohio?

Non-attorney notaries - Serve a five-year term, unless the commission is revoked.

Attorneys admitted to practice law in Ohio by the Ohio Supreme Court - Hold office as a notary public indefinitely, provided they meet all the following conditions:

  • Are a resident of Ohio or have their principal place of business or primary practice located in Ohio.
  • Are in good standing before the Ohio Supreme Court.
  • Have not had their commission revoked.

Is notary training or an exam required to become a notary or to renew a notary commission in Ohio?

Non-Attorney Applicants

  • New applicants: Must complete a three-hour education program and pass a test ($130 fee).
  • Renewing notaries: Must complete a one-hour education program ($45 fee, no test required).

Attorney Applicants

  • Must complete a three-hour education program ($75 fee, no test required).

Important:

  • Notary education must be completed through an approved provider and must be completed within twelve months before the application or renewal date.
  • An applicant who fails the test required under Section 147.021 of the Ohio Revised Code may retake it no sooner than thirty days after the previous exam and no later than six months after the criminal records check was issued. If the applicant fails a second time, they must restart the process by submitting a new application and fee as outlined in Rule 111:6-1-03(A)(2).

Click here to view the education requirements, testing requirements, fees and authorized providers.

How much does it cost to become a notary public in Ohio?

The cost to become a notary in Ohio includes:

  1. A $15 filing fee to process the notary online application for appointment or reappointment.
  2. A $130 fee for the education program and exam.
  3. A notary stamp. Click here to view our notary stamp prices.
  4. A notary journal, if a notary wishes to adhere to the recommendations of the secretary of state that Ohio notaries maintain a journal of their notarial acts. Click here to view our notary journal prices.
  5. An errors and omissions insurance policy (optional) to protect yourself if you are sued for unintentional mistakes or if a false claim is filed against you. Click here to view our notary E&O policy premiums and coverage amounts.

Click here to view the education requirements, testing requirements, fees, and authorized providers.

Do I need a notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to become a notary in Ohio?

A notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is optional in Ohio and is not required to become an Ohio notary public or to renew your notary commission. However, the American Association of Notaries strongly recommends that every Ohio notary obtain a notary E&O insurance policy. This insurance protects you from a claim if a client sues you as a notary. A notary E&O policy covers unintentional notarial mistakes and pays for legal fees and damages based on the coverage you select as an Ohio notary public.

Do I need a notary bond to become a notary in Ohio?

No.  New and renewing notary applicants are not required by Ohio notary statute to maintain a notary bond during their Ohio notary commission terms.

A notary public is liable to any person for damages that result from their negligence, errors, official malfeasance, or omissions. Ohio notaries are encouraged to purchase a notary E&O insurance policy to insure themselves against such claims.

Do I need to order a notary stamp in Ohio?

Ohio notary law requires all Ohio notaries public to use a rubber-inked stamp or embosser to authenticate all official acts.

The official stamp must contain the following elements:

  • The words “notary public” or “notarial seal” or words to that effect
  • The name of the notary public
  • The words “State of Ohio”

Notary Seal Dimensions: The seal shall consist of the state’s coat of arms in a circle having a diameter between three-quarters of an inch to one inch, surrounded by the required text.

Note: The name of the notary public may, instead of appearing on the seal, be printed, typewritten, or stamped in legible, printed letters near the notary's signature on each document signed by the notary public.

The American Association of Notaries offers quality notary stamps and seals at savings of up to 40% or more compared to the same products elsewhere. Click here to order your Ohio notary stamp, complete notary package, and other notary supplies.

How much can an Ohio notary public charge for performing notarial acts?

Ohio law sets the maximum fees that a notary public may charge for performing notarial acts. The authorized fees are as follows:

  • A notary public may charge:
    • Up to $5 for any notarial act that is not an online notarization.
    • Up to $30 for an online notarization.
  • A notary performing an online notarization may not also charge the $5 fee for that same act.
  • Fees may not be calculated on a per-signature basis.
  • In addition to the above fees, a notary may also charge:
    • A reasonable travel fee, agreed upon with the signer before the notarization.
    • A technology fee up to $10 per online notarization session for using an online notarization system, even if the notarization is not completed (for example, if identity verification fails).

Is a notary journal required in Ohio?

Notary Journal requirements for each type of notarization in Ohio:

  • Traditional Notarizations – The Ohio Secretary of State does not require notaries public to keep a journal for traditional notarizations. However, the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office strongly recommends notaries keep a journal of every notarial act. A notary journal can be maintained on a tangible medium or in an electronic format.
  • Remote Online Notarizations – An Ohio notary public is required to maintain one or more electronic journals in which they record, in chronological order, all online notarizations performed. The electronic journal must allow access using a password or other secure means of authentication and be in a tamper-evident electronic format complying with the rules of the secretary of state adopted under section 147.62 of the Revised Code.

A notary journal (also known as a record book, log book, or register book) is your first line of defense in proving your innocence if a notarial act you performed is questioned or if you are requested to testify in a court of law about a notarial act you performed in the past. A properly recorded notarial act creates a paper trail that will help investigators locate and prosecute signers who have committed forgery and fraud. Properly recorded notarial acts provide evidence that you followed your state laws and notary’s best practices.

The American Association of Notaries offers a wide variety of notary journals.

Click here to purchase a tangible notary journal.

Click here to become a member and access our electronic notary journal.

What information must Ohio notaries record in their notary journals?

For Traditional Notarizations – The Ohio Secretary of State recommends notaries record the following information:

  1. Date and time of notarization with start and end times
  2. Location of the notarial act
  3. Type of document and number of pages
  4. Type of notarization
  5. Contact information of the signer
  6. Method of identifying the signer
  7. Oath or affirmation that was administered
  8. Signer’s willingness to sign
  9. Signer’s mental capacity
  10. The signer should be required to sign the journal.
  11. Fee that was charged
  12. Any additional information

For Remote Online Notarizations – Ohio requires notaries to chronicle the following information in their notary journals:

  1. The date and time of the notarial act.
  2. The type of notarial act.
  3. The title or a description of the record being notarized, if any.
  4. The electronic signature of each principal.
  5. The printed full name and address of each principal.
  6. If identification of the principal is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect.
  7. If identification of the principal is based on satisfactory evidence of identity pursuant to division (E)(2) of section 147.64 of the Revised Code, a description of the evidence relied upon, including the date of issuance or expiration of any identification credential presented.
  8. If identification of the principal is based on a credible witness or witnesses, the name of the witness or witnesses.
  9. If the notarization was not performed at the online notary public's business address, the address where the notarization was performed.
  10. A description of the online notarization system used.
  11. The fee, if any, charged by the notary.
  12. The name of the jurisdiction in which the principal was located at the time of the online notarization.
  13. The recording upon which the identification of the principal is based, as required under division (D)(3) of this section.
  14. Any other information required by the Ohio Secretary of State.

How long should I retain my Ohio notary journal?

Ohio law does not require traditional notaries to maintain a notary journal. However, online notaries must keep an electronic journal and audio-video recordings for the entire duration of their authorization to perform online notarizations.

When the notary’s authorization to perform online notarization expires, they must transfer the electronic journal to the Ohio Secretary of State or to a repository approved by the secretary of state. The secretary of state or the approved repository must retain the electronic journal for ten years. If the journal is transferred to a repository, the notary must inform the Ohio Secretary of State where the journal will be stored during that period.

Where can I perform notarial acts in Ohio?

An Ohio notary public has statewide jurisdiction and may perform notarial acts in any county within the state of Ohio. However, a notary public may not perform notarizations outside Ohio’s borders.

What notarial acts can an Ohio notary public perform?

An Ohio notary public is authorized to perform the following notarial acts:

  • Administer oaths or affirmations required or authorized by law.
  • Take and certify acknowledgements of deeds, mortgages, liens, powers of attorney, and other instruments of writing.
  • Take and certify depositions.

What kind of notarizations are allowed in Ohio?

Ohio law allows the following four types of notarizations:

Traditional notarizations – This type of notarization requires the signer and the notary to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. Traditional notarization involves an individual signing a tangible document with an inked pen and a notary public signing and affixing an inked notary stamp impression to the tangible notarial certificate.

Electronic notarizations (in person) – This type of notarization requires the signer and the notary to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. However, the notarization is performed on an electronic document using electronic signatures, an electronic notary seal, and an electronic notarial certificate.

Remote Online Notarizations – The signer appears remotely before an online notary public through audio-visual communication technology. The notarization is performed on an electronic document using electronic signatures, an electronic notary seal, and an electronic notarial certificate. The notarization MUST be performed on a platform that meets the requirements in Rule 111:6-1-05.

What are the steps to become an electronic notary in Ohio?

In Ohio, any commissioned notary public is authorized to perform electronic notarizations using an electronic signature and electronic seal. No additional certification or separate authorization is required to perform electronic notarizations, as long as the notary and signer are physically present before each other during the notarization.

What are the steps to become a remote online notary in Ohio?

To be commissioned to perform online notarizations, a notary must:

  1. Complete a two-hour education program and pass a test administered by an approved vendor.
  2. Apply online at the  Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
  3. Upload the notary education and testing certificate of completion.
  4. Pay the $20 filing fee to process the authorization.

How do I update my address on my Ohio notary commission?

Ohio notaries public must update their address within thirty days of any change by submitting a commission amendment request to the secretary of state. This request is completed online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

How do I change my name on my notary commission in Ohio?

Ohio notaries public must update their name within thirty days of the change by submitting a commission amendment request to the secretary of state. This request is completed online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

Revised:

October 2025

Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions. 

Notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company, Universal Surety of America, or Surety Bonding Company of America, which are subsidiaries of CNA Surety.