Key Takeaways
- Ohio-licensed attorneys are exempt from the criminal background check requirement
- Attorneys are exempt from the examination but must complete the 3-hour education course
- Attorney commissions continue indefinitely while maintaining Ohio law license
- RON authorization for attorneys requires renewal every 5 years
- Attorneys must still meet residency requirements (nonresidents need principal office in Ohio)
Special Rules for Attorney Notaries
Ohio-licensed attorneys receive special consideration in the notary application process, but they are not exempt from all requirements.
Attorney Exemptions
| Requirement | Attorney Status |
|---|---|
| Criminal Background Check | EXEMPT |
| 3-Hour Education Course | REQUIRED |
| Notary Examination | EXEMPT |
| Application Fee | REQUIRED ($15) |
| Oath of Office | REQUIRED |
Why Attorneys Still Need Education
Even though attorneys are exempt from the exam, they must still complete the 3-hour education course because:
- Notary law is specialized and may not be covered in law school
- The course covers Ohio-specific notary procedures and recent law changes
- Attorneys need to understand the distinct role of a notary versus an attorney
Attorney Commission Term
Unlike non-attorney notaries, attorney commissions have special duration rules:
| Commission Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Attorney Notary Commission | Indefinite — continues as long as attorney remains licensed in Ohio and in good standing |
| Non-Attorney Commission | 5 years from issuance |
Important: The indefinite commission only applies while the attorney:
- Maintains an active Ohio law license
- Remains in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court
- Meets Ohio residency requirements (or has principal office in Ohio if nonresident)
Remote Online Notarization (RON) for Attorneys
Even though attorney notary commissions are indefinite, their RON authorization follows different rules:
| RON Authorization | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Authorization | Must complete approved RON training course |
| Term | 5 years |
| Renewal | Required every 5 years |
| Renewal Training | 1-hour RON refresher course |
| Renewal Fee | $20 |
Nonresident Attorneys
Attorneys who are not Ohio residents can still become Ohio notaries if they meet the following requirement:
Must have a principal office located in Ohio
This means:
- The attorney's primary place of practice must be in Ohio
- A P.O. Box is not sufficient
- The office must be an actual business location
Loss of Attorney License
If an attorney notary loses their Ohio law license:
- The notary commission is automatically terminated
- The attorney must cease all notarial activities immediately
- The seal must be destroyed
- Any active RON authorization is also terminated
On the Exam
Key points tested about attorney notaries:
- Exempt from: Background check AND examination
- NOT exempt from: Education course, application fee, oath of office
- Commission term: Indefinite (while licensed)
- RON term: Still 5 years (requires renewal)
- Nonresident attorney: Must have principal office in Ohio
Which of the following is an Ohio-licensed attorney NOT exempt from when applying for a notary commission?
How long is an attorney notary commission valid in Ohio?