A Notary Public is a state-appointed official who serves the public as an impartial witness, primarily to deter fraud in the execution of important documents. This role is fundamental to commerce and law, verifying the identity of signers and ensuring they sign documents knowingly and willingly. The process of obtaining this commission is governed entirely by Ohio state law, with requirements set by the Ohio Secretary of State. Achieving this professional credential requires a sequential process of training, background checks, and formal application.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
The journey to becoming an Ohio Notary Public begins with satisfying foundational criteria established by state statute. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of Ohio. Alternatively, an attorney admitted to practice law in Ohio may apply if their primary practice is located within the state.
A preliminary step is undergoing a criminal records check conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). This background check must be completed within six months of submitting the application to the Secretary of State. The check must use the specific reason code 147.022 to search for convictions of disqualifying offenses, such as felonies and crimes of moral turpitude.
Mandatory Notary Education and Examination
Ohio law mandates that all new non-attorney applicants complete a formal course of study and pass a subsequent examination before receiving a commission. This requirement is part of the state’s Notary Modernization Act, which standardizes training. The course must be a minimum of three hours long and provided by an authorized education provider, such as Ohio Notary Services.
The curriculum covers notarial acts, legal requirements, jurisdiction, and ethics. Applicants must pass a mandatory examination, typically requiring a score of 80% or higher. Two failures require the applicant to restart the entire application process, including paying a new fee. Once the test is passed, the authorized provider issues a certificate of completion required for the formal application.
Completing the Official Commission Application
After the background check and education requirements are satisfied, applicants submit a formal application to the state. The entire submission process is handled electronically through the Ohio Secretary of State’s online notary portal.
The applicant must electronically upload several documents, including the BCI criminal records check report and the certificate of completion. A signature sample is also required for the Secretary of State’s files. There is a non-refundable application fee, typically around $15.00, which must be paid electronically upon submission. Upon approval, the Secretary of State’s office issues the notary public commission certificate via email.
Securing Necessary Notary Supplies
Although the commission is granted after approval, a notary cannot perform their first act until they have acquired the necessary tools. A surety bond is not required by the state for a standard Ohio Notary Public. However, the notary must obtain an official notarial seal or stamp that meets statutory specifications.
The seal must include the words “Notary Public” and “State of Ohio,” along with the notary’s name. Although a journal of notarial acts is not legally required for traditional paper notarizations, it is recommended as a professional best practice. The law requires the seal’s use on every document notarized.
Local Resources and Finding Notary Work in Columbus
Residents of Columbus benefit from local resources and proximity to the state capital. Local organizations, such as the Columbus Bar Association, are often authorized education providers, offering courses in-person or online.
Notaries in the Franklin County area often find work by offering mobile notary services, capitalizing on the high volume of real estate and legal transactions. Many professionals use the commission to enhance existing careers in fields like banking, real estate, or law. Becoming a Notary Signing Agent, which involves specialized training to handle loan document packages, is another popular career path for independent notaries.
Maintaining Your Commission and Renewal
The Ohio Notary Public commission is valid for a term of five years from the date of issuance. Maintaining the commission requires adherence to all state laws and regulations. Notaries must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of any change to their name or address.
The renewal process should be initiated no sooner than 90 days before the commission’s expiration date. Renewal requires obtaining an updated BCI criminal records check and completing a one-hour refresher education course. If the commission is allowed to expire, the individual must reapply as a new notary, including completing the full three-hour course and passing the examination again.