How to Become a Notary in Ohio

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

Yes

Exam Required

Yes

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

No

Commission Term

5 years

Journal Required

Yes

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Ohio

Education:

All notary applicants are required to complete notary education and testing before applying for commission, renewal, or remote online authorization. Notary applicants must directly contact an authorized provider and pay the required fee for education and testing to the provider. See the list of approved providers below. A certificate of completion will be issued by the authorized provider. The certificate must be uploaded as part of commission, renewal, or remote online authorization applications to the Secretary of State’s office. Education must be completed no later than 12 months before the date of application or renewal. Education and testing fees are non-refundable. Order your BCI before completing education and testing to ensure you do not have any disqualifying offenses.

Education Final:

Yes, must complete an approved training course.

Exam Final:

Yes, an exam is required

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

All new applicants seeking an appointment as a notary public and renewing notaries are not statutorily required to purchase a notary bond to obtain their Ohio notary public commissions.

Bond Final:

No bond is required

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

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Get the clarity and tools you need to decide if notary work is right for you. This practical course explains what a notary does, the skills required, costs, and potential income — and guides you in building a personalized action plan to get commissioned and start finding work.

Ohio Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Secretary of State processes notary applications, issues notary commissions, maintains the online database of notaries, approves the entities to administer the educational program and related test, and maintains all the records regarding notaries. The new notary law removed the responsibilities of notary application processing and notary commissioning from the common pleas court clerks.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.