Ohio Notary Public Exam Overview
The Ohio Notary Public Exam is administered on behalf of the Ohio Secretary of State. Ohio modernized its notary laws in 2019 with the Notary Public Modernization Act, which introduced education and examination requirements.
Passing this exam qualifies you to become an Ohio Notary Public—serving nearly 12 million residents in one of the nation's most populous states with the added benefit of a 5-year commission term.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 30 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 45 minutes |
| Passing Score | 80% (24 correct answers) |
| Exam Fee | Included in course fee |
| Education Required | 3-hour approved course |
| Commission Term | 5 years |
| Surety Bond | $10,000 required |
Why Become an Ohio Notary?
- Large market — Nearly 12 million potential clients
- 5-year commission — Longer than most states
- Modern laws — 2019 Modernization Act updates
- RON authorized — Remote online notarization allowed
- Attorney exemption — Attorneys skip the exam
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. Notary Fundamentals (25%)
Commission Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Ohio resident or regularly work in Ohio
- Complete 3-hour approved education course
- Pass the state examination
- Obtain $10,000 surety bond
- No felony convictions
Attorney Exemption:
- Ohio attorneys are exempt from exam requirement
- Must still complete education course
- Must still obtain bond
- Same commission term applies
Appointment Process:
- Apply through Secretary of State
- Complete education and pass exam
- Obtain surety bond
- Take and file oath of office
2. Types of Notarial Acts (30%)
Acknowledgments:
- Signer acknowledges signing voluntarily
- Most common notarial act
- Does not require oath
Jurats:
- Signer swears or affirms content is true
- Notary administers oath or affirmation
- Signer must sign in notary's presence
Signature Witnessing:
- Witness signature without oath
- Less common act type
- Specific certificate wording
Copy Certifications:
- Certify copies of certain documents
- Cannot certify public records
- Limited under Ohio law
3. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 147 (25%)
Notary Public Modernization Act:
- Effective 2019
- ORC Chapter 147
- Modernized Ohio notary practice
- RON authorization
Key Provisions:
- Section 147.01 — Definitions
- Section 147.03 — Commission requirements
- Section 147.04 — Prohibited acts
- Section 147.05 — Fees and records
Prohibited Acts:
- Cannot notarize your own signature
- Cannot notarize with financial interest
- Cannot certify vital records
- Cannot provide legal advice
4. Identification and Procedures (15%)
Satisfactory Evidence:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Valid and unexpired
- Ohio driver's license or ID
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
Personal Knowledge:
- Notary personally knows signer
- Long-term familiarity
- Should document basis
Credible Witness:
- One credible witness allowed
- Witness must know signer personally
- Witness presents ID to notary
5. Records and Fees (5%)
Journal Requirements:
- Journal strongly recommended but not required
- Many notaries keep voluntary records
- RON requires electronic journal
Fee Schedule:
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Notarial act | $2 (traditional) |
| RON act | $5 |
| Travel | Reasonable |
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Complete 3-hour education course | 3 |
| Week 1-2 | Notary fundamentals | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Types of notarial acts | 3-4 |
| Week 2-3 | ORC Chapter 147 | 3-4 |
| Week 3 | Identification and procedures | 2-3 |
| Week 3-4 | Practice exams and review | 3-4 |
Total recommended study time: 18-22 hours (including required course)
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Ohio-Specific Exam Tips
1. Understand the 2019 Modernization Act
Ohio's modernization changed requirements:
- Education now required (was not before)
- Exam now required (was not before)
- RON now authorized
- Electronic records provisions
2. Know the Attorney Exemption
Ohio has a unique attorney provision:
- Licensed Ohio attorneys exempt from exam
- Must still complete education
- Must still obtain bond
- Streamlined process for attorneys
3. Shorter Exam Format
Ohio has a compact exam:
- Only 30 questions
- 45 minutes allowed
- 80% passing (24 correct)
- Focused but thorough
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | Ohio Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 80% (24/30) |
| Education | 3 hours |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Bond amount | $10,000 |
| Traditional max fee | $2 |
| RON max fee | $5 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming old rules apply — 2019 changed everything
- Skipping education — Now required
- Underestimating 80% — Higher threshold
- Missing attorney exemption — If applicable
- Not practicing enough — Short exam needs precision
- Ignoring RON provisions — On the exam
After Passing Your Exam
- Complete application to Secretary of State
- Obtain $10,000 surety bond from approved provider
- Take oath of office before authorized official
- File commission with Secretary of State
- Obtain notary stamp meeting state requirements
- Begin your notary practice — Commission valid 5 years
2026 Ohio Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- RON platform requirements
- Electronic notarization updates
- Fee schedule reviews
- ORC Chapter 147 amendments
Start Your Ohio Notary Career Today
The Ohio Notary Public commission opens doors to serving one of the nation's most populous states with a generous 5-year term. With proper preparation, you can pass the exam on your first attempt.
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Our free study materials include:
- ✅ Complete topic coverage
- ✅ Practice questions with explanations
- ✅ ORC Chapter 147 specifics
- ✅ Study guides and summaries
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