Submit a Complaint Regarding an Ohio Notary Public

The Ohio Secretary of State has the authority to investigate and discipline notaries public commissioned in Ohio. Depending on the notary’s violation, we may issue a letter of admonition, suspend, or revoke a notary commission. Our office has no authority to address the validity of the notarized document or bring criminal charges against a notary public.

Direct complaints of alleged forgery or fraud should be reported to local law enforcement first and may be reported to our office with evidence of the notary’s involvement. To determine the validity of the document, which was notarized, please consult an attorney.

Notary complaints are not anonymous. The complaint is a public record and subject to disclosure under Ohio Public Records Law. To submit a complaint, please provide a letter which includes your contact information (name, address, phone number and email address), the name of the notary public, commission number, if known, and a detailed description of the facts surrounding the notarization and the violation of law. You must sign the complaint form and attach the notarized document.

Click here for the Notary Complaint Form (PDF)

Please send to Ohio Secretary of State Notary Commission, 180 Civic Center Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43215 or email to [email protected].

Investigations and discipline may take 6 – 8 months to complete.