State Requirements
How to Become a Notary in Ohio
Ohio notary requirements, fees, bond amounts, and step-by-step instructions.
Ohio Notary Requirements at a Glance
Exam Required
No
Surety Bond
Not required
Commission Term
5 years
Education Required
3 hours
E&O Insurance
Optional (recommended)
Background Check
Required
Application Fee
$15
Appointing Authority
Secretary of State
Journal Required
No (recommended)
Remote Online Notarization
Authorized
Must complete 3 hours of education. Background check required. No bond required.
Steps to Become a Notary in Ohio
Meet Basic Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Ohio. You must be a legal U.S. resident with no disqualifying criminal record.
Complete 3-Hour Education Course
Ohio requires 3 hours of approved notary education before you can apply. Courses are available online and in-person from approved providers.
Complete Background Check
Ohio requires a background check (fingerprinting/live scan) as part of the application process.
Submit Your Application
Apply through the Secretary of State. The application fee is $15.
Purchase Your Notary Seal & Supplies
Get your official notary seal/stamp, notary journal (if required), and any other supplies needed for your practice.
Take the Oath of Office
Once your commission is approved, take the oath of office as required by Ohio law. Your commission will be valid for 5 years.
Ohio Notary Fee Schedule
Maximum fees a notary can charge per act in Ohio:
| Notarial Act | Max Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $5.00 |
| Jurat (Verification on Oath/Affirmation) | $5.00 |
| Oath / Affirmation | $5.00 |
| Copy Certification | $5.00 |
| Signature Witnessing | $5.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take an exam to become a notary in Ohio? +
No, Ohio does not require a notary exam. You can apply directly through the Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Ohio? +
The application fee is $15. Add $15–40 for a notary seal. Total startup cost is typically $40–$155.
How long is a notary commission in Ohio? +
A notary commission in Ohio lasts 5 years. After that, you’ll need to renew by filing a new application and bond (if required).
Can I perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Ohio? +
Yes, Ohio authorizes Remote Online Notarization. You’ll need to register as an electronic notary and use an approved RON platform.
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