Quick Facts
Commission Term
5 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$0
Issuing Authority
Ohio Secretary of State
Journal
OptionalTraditionalMandatoryRON
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Ohio distinctive
- Ohio permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Ohio's $0 application fee is among the lowest in the country (national median is $30).
- Ohio's 5-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Ohio authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- RON authorized since September 22, 2019
- 2025 HB 315 major changes effective April 3, 2025
- 2025 changes: Out-of-state residents can NO LONGER apply for OH notary commission
- 2025 changes: IDs can be expired maximum 3 years (not more)
- 2025 changes: Digital driver's licenses from OH BMV acceptable
Regulatory Authority
Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 147
Notaries Public
Primary statutory authority for OH notaries
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.01
Appointment of Notaries Public
Qualification requirements, residency
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.03
Term of Office
5-year term for most notaries, attorneys different
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.04
Notarial Seal
Seal requirements and specifications
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.50
Personal Knowledge and Satisfactory Evidence
Identity verification methods (modified by HB 315)
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.53
Electronic Notarization
IPEN authorization and requirements
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.64
Authority of Online Notary Public
RON authorization, identity verification
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.65
Electronic Journal Requirements
Mandatory electronic journal for RON
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.141
Authorized Notarial Acts
Types of notarial acts, copy certification by document custodian
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.142
Prohibitions for Non-Attorney Notaries
Legal advice, immigration services prohibitions
Ohio Rev. Code § 147.542
Notary Fees
Maximum fee schedule
Ohio Rev. Code § 3101.08
Who May Solemnize Marriages
Lists authorized marriage officiants (notaries NOT included)
Ohio Rev. Code § 3101.09
Unauthorized Solemnization
Criminal penalties for unauthorized marriage solemnization
Ohio Rev. Code § 4705.07
Unauthorized Practice of Law
Prohibitions against practicing law without license
HB 315 (2025)
Notary Law Updates
Effective April 3, 2025: eliminated satisfactory evidence for traditional notarizations, out-of-state residents no longer eligible, ID expiration changes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Ohio?
A Ohio notary public commission is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Ohio?
Ohio charges $0 as the application fee to the Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Ohio require a notary bond?
No. Ohio does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Ohio?
Journal requirements in Ohio are: OptionalTraditionalMandatoryRON. Consult the Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Division for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Ohio notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Ohio authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Ohio notaries use?
Ohio notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Ohio cap notary fees?
Yes. Ohio sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum fees set by statute; reasonable travel fee allowed if agreed before notarial act; fee is per notarial act not per signature
Who regulates notaries in Ohio?
Ohio notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Ohio authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Ohio authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Ohio notaries perform?
Ohio notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Ohio?
Start your application through the Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
Authoritative reference for acknowledgment certificate language across all 50 states, including short-form versus long-form requirements.
Get the Full Ohio Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.