How to Become a Notary in Ohio – Complete Checklist

Ever thought, “Maybe I should become a notary in Ohio”? That’s a smart move. Notaries here play a real role, handling real estate acknowledgments, school forms, powers of attorney, and business affidavits. Lots of different tasks.

And while you’d expect the path to be bogged down in red tape, once you see the exact requirements, fees, and documents, you’ll find it’s pretty straightforward.

I’ve walked through every detail, using Ohio law, the Secretary of State’s guidance, and authorized education providers to make sure what’s here matches what you’ll actually face.

Let’s walk step by step.

A Quick Look

Step-By-Step Process

1. Confirm Eligibility

Let’s check that first. According to the Ohio Revised Code:

• You must be at least 18.
• You need to be an Ohio resident. There’s an exception if you’re an attorney licensed by the Ohio Supreme Court, with your principal office or primary practice located in Ohio.

If you’ve got a criminal history, some convictions will block you, as per the Ohio Legislative Information System. Ohio’s law includes a list of disqualifying offenses, like crimes of moral turpitude, certain fraud or theft charges in Chapter 2913.

The Secretary of State uses that list in screening, and they publish it. If you’re denied based on one, there’s an appeal and an administrative hearing process. It isn’t a brick wall – there’s a route if needed.

2. Get Your Education and Take the Exam

For your first time:

• You’ll complete a state-approved course covering duties, certificate wording, identifying signers, fees, prohibited acts, and recordkeeping. The Secretary of State approves the providers and the test.
• After that, you take the exam and receive a completion certificate and your test score report.
• Attorneys do a shorter module and skip the exam.

Upload both certificate and score with your application – and it’s good to have the originals saved too.

3. Ohio BCI Background Check (Non-Attorneys Only)

• You must do a BCI criminal background check not more than 6 months before applying. Secretary of State won’t accept older ones.
• Scheduling Tip: Do your BCI first. Processing times vary. That way, when you file, it’s still valid.

4. File Your Application Online

Here’s the fun part – once you’ve prepped everything:

• Head to the Secretary of State online portal.
• Upload your education certificate, test score (if required), BCI report (if required), oath of office form (most providers walk you through this), and a signature image, per CBA Law.
• Pay the state application fee plus any provider fees for training/test.

After filing, it goes into review. You’ll hear when it’s approved.

5. Receive Your Commission and Set Up Tools

When approved:

• Commission notice comes through. Now you can notarize.
• Grab a stamp or embosser that matches Ohio’s Great Seal layout – size, wording, details matter.
• Journal: not legally required for paper jobs, but wise to have one for recordkeeping (helps if there’s ever a question). If you’re going online, an electronic journal is required.

6. Know Fee Limits and How to Use Them

Ohio says:

• Traditional notarization – max $5.
• Online – max $30.
• You cannot charge both together.
• If you meet clients off-site, you can set a separate travel/convenience charge – but keep your notarial fee within caps.

7. Learn Your Core Duties and Prohibited Acts

Critical to memorize:

• You cannot notarize your own document or one where you have an interest.
• If the signer seems mentally incapable, isn’t properly identified, or isn’t present, you stop. No exceptions.
• You cannot give legal advice unless you’re an attorney. No advertising as an immigration consultant either.
• Must identify signers in person (even for online, they need secure A-V and satisfactory evidence). Certificate must show venue, date, your signature and printed name, seal, commission expiration, and follow statutory forms (like acknowledgments or jurat). Ohio provides those templates.

8. Keep Commission Details Updated

Changes happen. When they do:

• Report a name or address change within 30 days via the online portal.
• If your commission or seal is lost, you can request duplicates for a small fee.
• If you commit a disqualifying offense after you’re commissioned, you must self-report.

9. Renew On Time

• Non-attorneys: renew every 5 years with continuing education, then apply online.
• Attorneys: Commission remains active while you’re in good standing and continue your Ohio-based practice.

Optional Add-On – Remote Online Notary (RON)

@owensdocumentservices The TRUTH about RON!! Here’s some things to keep in mind with remote online notary work #notarypublic #mobilenotary #fyp #workfromhome #remotework #ron ♬ original sound – Yolanda Denise Owens

If you’re thinking about RON:

Checklist

Here’s your checklist:

Eligibility

• 18 or older, Ohio resident (or Ohio-licensed attorney with Ohio-based practice)
• No disqualifying convictions, or aware of the appeal process if needed

Background Check

• Scheduled and completed Ohio BCI within 6 months (if non-attorney)
• Not an attorney or exempt from BCI if relevant

Education & Test

• Completed approved education for first-timers (or attorney module)
• Passed state exam (if non-attorney)

Application

• SOS online account created
• Uploaded education certificate, test score, BCI report, oath form, signature image
• Paid processing and provider fees

Tools

• Ohio-compliant notary seal purchased
• Paper journal set up (recommended) or electronic journal if online
• If doing RON: electronic seal, journal, and platform in place

Rules & Duties

• Memorized fee limits ($5 traditional, $30 online)
• Reviewed prohibited acts and ID rules
• Know when to refuse
• Ready to keep current with name/address changes

Fees, Timeline, Supplies at a Glance

Pro Tips

Launch Plan

• Once you’re approved, order your seal right away. Double-check that the imprint matches your name exactly as it appears on your commission.
• Build a mini reference file pocket that includes:
  1. Ohio’s short forms
  2. Your ID checklist
  3. Fee cap reminder
• Set your standard fees clearly: $5 for traditional, $30 for online, plus any agreed travel fee if you’re mobile – kept separate from the notarization charge.
• If doing RON, finish the authorization steps, pick your platform, set up your electronic seal & journal – then you’ll be ready to sign online.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Becoming a notary in Ohio isn’t a chore – it just asks for attention to detail. Every item here reflects actual Ohio law and Secretary of State rules.

Many notaries even find steady work in the richest counties in Ohio, where business transactions and legal paperwork often require certified signatures.

Once you check those boxes, grab your seal, and start notarizing, you’ll feel confident right away.

If questions pop up about handling a tricky signer, choosing a platform, or anything at all, I’m ready whenever you are. Best of luck on this path.