Key Takeaways
- Applications are submitted online at notary.ohiosos.gov
- Application fee is $15
- Must upload BCI background check, education certificate, test certificate, and signature image
- After approval, must take oath of office before performing any notarial acts
- Commission is valid for 5 years from issuance date
Application Process
Ohio has modernized its notary application process, making it entirely online through the Secretary of State's notary portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete Prerequisites
Before applying online, gather the following:
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| BCI Background Check | Current within 6 months, no disqualifying offenses |
| Education Certificate | From approved provider, completed within 12 months |
| Test Certificate | Shows passing score of 80% or higher |
| Digital Signature Image | Clear image of your signature for upload |
Step 2: Submit Online Application
- Visit notary.ohiosos.gov
- Select "File Online" to access the application
- Create an account or log in
- Provide required information:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Date of birth
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the $15 application fee
Step 3: Await Approval
The Secretary of State's office will review your application and verify all documentation. Processing times vary, but you will receive notification of approval or any issues via email.
Step 4: Take Oath of Office
This step is critical — you cannot perform any notarial acts until you have taken the oath of office.
After the Secretary of State approves your application:
| Oath Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Who administers | A notary public or officer authorized to administer oaths |
| Where | Any location in Ohio |
| When | Before performing ANY notarial duties |
| What to do with oath | Keep the completed oath form for your records |
Step 5: Obtain Your Notary Seal
After taking your oath, you'll need to obtain your official notary seal/stamp. Ohio notary seals must include specific elements (covered in Chapter 4).
Commission Term
| Term Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Standard Commission | 5 years from date of issuance |
| Attorney Commission | Continues indefinitely as long as attorney remains licensed in Ohio and in good standing |
| Renewal | Must apply within 3 months before expiration |
Renewal Process
For non-attorney notaries, renewal follows a similar process:
Renewal Requirements
- Background Check: New BCI check current within 6 months
- Continuing Education: 1-hour refresher course from approved provider
- Application: Submit renewal application within 3 months before expiration
- Fee: $15 renewal fee
Important: If your commission has expired, you are treated as a new applicant and must complete the full new applicant requirements, including the 3-hour education course and examination. There is no grace period.
Commission Changes
Name Change
If you legally change your name during your commission term:
- Notify the Secretary of State promptly
- Order a new seal with your new name
- Continue using old seal until new seal arrives
- Destroy old seal when new seal is ready
Address Change
Notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of any address change.
Key Deadlines Summary
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| BCI background check validity | 6 months before application |
| Education/exam validity | 12 months before application |
| Renewal application window | 3 months before expiration |
| Address change notification | 30 days after change |
On the Exam
Key points tested about the application process:
- Application fee: $15
- Commission term: 5 years (non-attorneys)
- Oath requirement: Must take oath BEFORE performing notarial acts
- Renewal window: 3 months before expiration
- No grace period: Expired commission = new applicant requirements
What is the application fee for an Ohio notary commission?
When can a newly approved Ohio notary begin performing notarial acts?
How long is an Ohio notary commission valid for non-attorney notaries?