Notary Public in Ohio

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OH. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

payments

$150

Est. total cost

schedule

Varies (application must be submitted within 6 months of background check and 12 months of education/testing)

Time to complete

route How to become a notary public in Ohio

To become a Notary Public in Ohio, applicants must be at least 18 years old and either an Ohio resident or a non-resident attorney licensed in Ohio with a primary practice in the state. The process involves obtaining a criminal records check (unless exempt), completing a 3-hour state-approved education course, and passing a state exam (attorneys are exempt from the exam). After successfully completing these steps, applicants submit an online application and a $15 fee to the Ohio Secretary of State. Upon approval, a commission is issued for five years, and a 1-hour continuing education course is required for renewal.

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	Ohio Secretary of State
State license	Required
Education	3-hour approved education course (attorneys are exempt from the exam, but must complete the education course)
Exam	State-approved Notary Public Examination (non-attorneys only) ($130)
Application fee	$15
Renewal	Every 5.0 years
Continuing education	1.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age: 18 years old. Requires a criminal records check (BCI report) within six months of application (attorneys and peace officers are exempt). Must be an Ohio resident or a non-resident attorney licensed in Ohio with a principal place of business or primary law practice in Ohio. No bond is required. A 1-hour CE is required for renewal. Notary commission is for the entire state of Ohio. Oath of office is required after application approval. Ohio law no longer provides reciprocity for notary commissions.

Source: Ohio Secretary of State

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a notary public in Ohio? expand_more

The path to notary public licensure in Ohio: complete the required education (3-hour approved education course (attorneys are exempt from the exam, but must complete the education course)), pass the State-approved Notary Public Examination (non-attorneys only), and submit your application ($15 fee).

Does Ohio require notary public licensure? expand_more

Yes, Ohio requires a state license to practice as a notary public. The licensing body is Ohio Secretary of State. You must pass the State-approved Notary Public Examination (non-attorneys only).

How expensive is notary public licensing in Ohio? expand_more

Plan on spending $150 total — that covers exam fee ($130) and application fee ($15) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a notary public in Ohio? expand_more

The typical timeline in Ohio is Varies (application must be submitted within 6 months of background check and 12 months of education/testing). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Does Ohio require continuing education for notary publics? expand_more

To keep your license active, Ohio mandates 1.0 CE hours every 5.0 years.