How to become a notary in Ohio
Eligibility, a 3-hour course, an exam, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Ohio Secretary of State.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Ohio legal resident (no minimum residency period). Non-residents qualify only if they are attorneys admitted in Ohio with their principal place of business or primary practice in Ohio; working in Ohio alone is not enough. Notaries commissioned in another state may also qualify under Ohio's universal licensure law (R.C. 4796); No conviction of, or guilty/no-contest plea to, a disqualifying offense under R.C. 9.79 (crimes of moral turpitude and R.C. 2913 theft/fraud offenses, some misdemeanors); not previously revoked.
- Take the required notary course — 3 hours — 3-hour education program from a Secretary of State-authorized provider, completed within 12 months before applying; required for non-attorneys and for attorneys applying after Sept 20, 2019 (attorneys commissioned before that date are exempt). Renewal (non-attorney): 1-hour course.
- Pass the notary exam — Non-attorneys must pass a test given by the authorized education provider; attorneys take the course but no test. Retake allowed 30 days after a failed attempt; after a second failure, reapply.
- Complete the background check — Non-attorneys must upload an Ohio BCI criminal records check (fingerprints taken by an authorized BCI agent, reason code 147.022) dated within 6 months of application, for new and renewal applications; BCI processing can take up to 40 days. Ohio attorneys are exempt; Ohio peace officers upload OPOTA certification instead.
- Apply to the Ohio Secretary of State — Pay the $15 state fee. Other fees: Education/testing provider fee (rule 111:6-1-03 sets $130 non-attorney, $75 attorney, $45 renewal course; the Secretary of State now says fees vary by provider); BCI criminal records check fee to the Ohio Attorney General plus fingerprinting agent fee (amount not on official notary pages); online notary authorization $20 plus provider course $250.
- Take the oath and file it — After approval, appear personally before a notary or other officer authorized to administer oaths and take the oath of office before performing any notarial act; no county recording required.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: ink stamp or embosser with the state coat of arms in a circle 3/4 in. to 1 in. in diameter, surrounded by "Notary Public" (or similar), the notary's name and "State of Ohio"; name may instead be printed near the signature; commission number and dates not required. Journal: Recommended (required for online notarizations).
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Ohio's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Ohio notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Ohio Secretary of State |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Ohio legal resident (no minimum residency period). Non-residents qualify only if they are attorneys admitted in Ohio with their principal place of business or primary practice in Ohio; working in Ohio alone is not enough. Notaries commissioned in another state may also qualify under Ohio's universal licensure law (R.C. 4796) |
| Course | Required — 3 hours 3-hour education program from a Secretary of State-authorized provider, completed within 12 months before applying; required for non-attorneys and for attorneys applying after Sept 20, 2019 (attorneys commissioned before that date are exempt). Renewal (non-attorney): 1-hour course |
| Exam | Required Non-attorneys must pass a test given by the authorized education provider; attorneys take the course but no test. Retake allowed 30 days after a failed attempt; after a second failure, reapply |
| State fee | $15 |
| Other fees | Education/testing provider fee (rule 111:6-1-03 sets $130 non-attorney, $75 attorney, $45 renewal course; the Secretary of State now says fees vary by provider); BCI criminal records check fee to the Ohio Attorney General plus fingerprinting agent fee (amount not on official notary pages); online notary authorization $20 plus provider course $250 |
| Surety bond | None No bond required |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | Non-attorneys must upload an Ohio BCI criminal records check (fingerprints taken by an authorized BCI agent, reason code 147.022) dated within 6 months of application, for new and renewal applications; BCI processing can take up to 40 days. Ohio attorneys are exempt; Ohio peace officers upload OPOTA certification instead |
| Term | 5 years for non-attorneys; attorney commissions last as long as the attorney is in good standing and resides or practices in Ohio |
| Oath / filing | After approval, appear personally before a notary or other officer authorized to administer oaths and take the oath of office before performing any notarial act; no county recording required |
| Seal | Required: ink stamp or embosser with the state coat of arms in a circle 3/4 in. to 1 in. in diameter, surrounded by "Notary Public" (or similar), the notary's name and "State of Ohio"; name may instead be printed near the signature; commission number and dates not required |
| Journal | Recommended (required for online notarizations) |
| Max fee per notarization | $5 per notarial act (not per signature); online notarization up to $30 plus up to $10 technology fee per session; reasonable travel fee if agreed in advance |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Separate online notary authorization for Ohio-resident commissioned notaries: 2-hour course and exam from the approved provider, $20 Secretary of State fee; valid for the commission term; renewal needs a 1-hour course |
| Renewal | Apply online within the 3 months before expiration with a fresh BCI report (non-attorneys) and a 1-hour renewal course; no grace period - an expired commission requires a new application |
All applications are filed electronically at notary.ohiosos.gov (upload signature sample, BCI report, course/test certificate). Ohio notaries may notarize only within Ohio. Ohio notaries may not certify copies of documents. The ohiosos.gov notary pages were blocked from this network; details come from the Ohio Revised Code ch. 147, OAC 111:6-1-03 and archived Secretary of State pages (2025).
Sources: Ohio Secretary of State - Notary · Ohio SOS - Application requirements (archived June 2025) · Ohio SOS - Criminal records check · Ohio SOS - Frequently asked questions about notaries · Ohio Revised Code 147.01 - Appointment and commission. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Ohio notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Ohio licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Ohio insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Ohio?
The state fee is $15, plus Education/testing provider fee (rule 111:6-1-03 sets $130 non-attorney, $75 attorney, $45 renewal course; the Secretary of State now says fees vary by provider); BCI criminal records check fee to the Ohio Attorney General plus fingerprinting agent fee (amount not on official notary pages); online notary authorization $20 plus provider course $250. Add the course, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Ohio?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission, plus the time for the course and exam.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Ohio?
Ohio requires a 3-hour course, an exam.
How much can a notary charge in Ohio?
$5 per notarial act (not per signature); online notarization up to $30 plus up to $10 technology fee per session; reasonable travel fee if agreed in advance.
Can I be an online notary in Ohio?
Yes. Separate online notary authorization for Ohio-resident commissioned notaries: 2-hour course and exam from the approved provider, $20 Secretary of State fee; valid for the commission term; renewal needs a 1-hour course