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Notary Application Process

Application Requirements

To qualify for an Ohio notary public commission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Be a legal resident of Ohio, or an attorney admitted to practice law in Ohio with a primary practice located in the state.

  • Have no disqualifying criminal convictions as defined under Ohio law.

Disqualifying Offenses

Applicants are ineligible for a notary public commission if they have been:

  • Convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or pleaded no contest to a disqualifying offense under R.C. 9.79.

  • Previously revoked from holding a notary public commission by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

For a complete list of disqualifying offenses, refer to the Disqualifying Offenses List.

Application Process

To apply for an Ohio notary public commission:

  1. Complete an Ohio criminal records check (BCI report).

  2. Complete notary education and testing through an approved education vendor.

  3. Submit your application online at notary.ohiosos.gov, and upload the following documents:

  • A sample signature.

  • Your BCI criminal record report.

  • A proof of completion for notary education and testing.

Once your application is approved, you must personally appear before a notary public or another authorized official and take the oath of office before performing notarial duties.

Additional Application Requirements for Remote Online Notary Authorization

A notary public may NOT perform remote online notarizations unless authorized to do so by the Ohio Secretary of State.

If you are not authorized for remote online notarizations, every signer must personally appear before you in person for each notarial act. 
Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against your notary commission.

To apply for Remote Online Notary (RON) authorization, you must:

  1. Hold a current Ohio notary public commission before applying.

  2. Complete remote online notary education and testing with an approved vendor.

  3. Apply online at notary.ohiosos.gov.

  4. Upload your education and testing certificate of completion as part of the online application.