How to Become a Notary Public in Ohio

Who can apply

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a legal resident of Ohio, or an attorney admitted in Ohio whose primary practice is in Ohio.
• Have no disqualifying criminal conviction, guilty plea or no-contest plea (R.C. 9.79).
• Have never had an Ohio notary commission revoked.
• Complete approved notary education and testing (attorneys take the education but are exempt from the test).

Step by step

1. Order an Ohio BCI criminal records check (fingerprints by an authorized BCI agent, reason code 147.022); the report must be less than 6 months old when you apply.
2. Complete notary education and testing with a Secretary of State–authorized provider within the 12 months before you apply.
3. Apply online at notary.ohiosos.gov, uploading a sample signature, your BCI report and proof of education and testing.
4. Once approved, take your oath of office before a notary or other authorized official before performing any notarial act.
5. Get a notarial seal showing the Ohio coat of arms and the words "Notary Public" and "State of Ohio".

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 3 hours for a first commission (non-attorneys and attorneys); 1 hour for a non-attorney renewal. Taken from a Secretary of State–authorized provider within 12 months before applying.

Exam: Given by the same authorized education provider; required for non-attorneys applying for a first commission. Attorneys and renewing notaries are not tested.

What it costs in Ohio

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

What other sites get wrong about Ohio

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Non-attorney notaries can renew online starting 3 months before expiration, with a new BCI report, 1 hour of approved education (no test) and the $15 state fee. An expired commission cannot be renewed; you must apply for a new one (R.C. 147.031). Attorney commissions have no fixed term while the attorney stays in good standing.

Remote online notarization: Yes — current Ohio notaries who are Ohio residents (R.C. 147.63) can get separate authorization after 2 hours of education and a test. They must be physically in Ohio and keep an electronic journal.

Good to know in Ohio

What you can charge: Up to $5 per notarial act, or up to $30 for an online notarization, and fees may not be charged per signature (R.C. 147.08). You may add a travel fee agreed in advance and, for online notarizations, a technology fee of up to $10 per session.

Sources

• Ohio SOS — Notary
• Ohio SOS — Notary Application Process
• Ohio SOS — Notary Education and Testing
• Ohio SOS — Criminal Background Check
• Ohio Revised Code 147.03 (term)
• Ohio Admin. Code 111:6-1-03 (fees)
• Ohio Rev. Code 147.031
• Ohio Revised Code 147.63
• Ohio Revised Code 147.08 (notary fees)
• Ohio Revised Code 147.022 (criminal records check)