Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a notary public in Ohio, you'll need to meet the basic requirements set by the state. These include:- Being at least 18 years old
- Being a resident of Ohio
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Not having been convicted of a felony
- Not having been convicted of a felony in the past 10 years
Step 1: Take the Education Course
- The role and responsibilities of a notary public
- Notarization procedures
- Ohio notary laws and regulations
- Ethics and professionalism
Choosing the Right Education Provider
When selecting an education provider, make sure they are authorized by the Ohio Secretary of State. Some popular options include:- National Notary Association
- National Notary Training Center
- Notary Rotary
What to Expect from the Course
The education course will cover the required topics and include a final exam. You'll need to score at least 70% on the exam to pass. The course will also provide you with a certificate of completion, which you'll need to submit with your application.Step 2: Pass the Background Check
Ohio requires you to undergo a background check before becoming a notary public. This involves submitting fingerprints to the Ohio Bureau of Investigation and paying a fee of around $40-$60.The Background Check Process
To begin the background check process: 1. Visit the Ohio Bureau of Investigation's website and submit your fingerprints. 2. Pay the required fee. 3. Wait for the background check results, which can take a few days to a week.Understanding the Background Check Results
Your background check results will be sent to the Ohio Secretary of State's office. If you pass the background check, you'll receive a clearance letter, which you'll need to submit with your application.Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you've completed the education course and passed the background check, you can submit your application to the Ohio Secretary of State's office. You'll need to:- Fill out the application form
- Attach a copy of your education course certificate
- Attach a copy of your background check clearance letter
- Pay the application fee (around $50-$70)
Notary Commission Fees
The notary commission fee in Ohio is currently $40. However, you may need to pay additional fees for the education course, background check, and application.Step 4: Take the Oath of Office and Receive Your Commission
Once your application is approved, you'll be required to take the oath of office. This involves signing a document swearing to perform your duties as a notary public.What to Expect at the Commissioning Ceremony
The commissioning ceremony typically takes place at the county courthouse or a designated location. You'll be required to:- Bring a government-issued ID
- Sign the oath of office
- Receive your notary commission certificate
| Education Provider | Cost | Authorized by the Ohio Secretary of State |
|---|---|---|
| National Notary Association | $35-$50 | Yes |
| National Notary Training Center | $40-$60 | Yes |
| Notary Rotary | $30-$50 | Yes |
Additional Requirements
As a notary public in Ohio, you'll need to:- Keep a journal of your notarial acts
- Make sure your commission is up to date
- Renew your commission every 4 years
Notary Journal Requirements
You'll need to keep a journal of all your notarial acts, including:- The date and time of each notarization
- The name and address of the signer
- A brief description of the document notarized
Renewing Your Commission
Every 4 years, you'll need to renew your notary commission. This involves:- Completing a renewal application
- Paying the renewal fee (around $20-$30)
- Submitting a new background check