Key Takeaways
- Ohio requires 3-hour education and examination for new notaries
- The passing score is 80%
- Commission term is 5 years for non-attorneys
- Maximum traditional notary fee is $5 per act (increased by HB 315)
- House Bill 315 (effective April 2025) modernized Ohio notary law
Last updated: January 2026
Ohio Notary Public Exam 2026
Ohio requires both education and examination to become a notary public. This study guide covers the requirements under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 147 as updated by House Bill 315, effective April 3, 2025.
What This Guide Covers
| Chapter | Topic |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Qualifications & Application Process |
| Chapter 2 | Notarial Acts (Acknowledgments, Jurats, Oaths) |
| Chapter 3 | Identification & Personal Appearance |
| Chapter 4 | Fees, Journal & Seal Requirements |
| Chapter 5 | Prohibited Acts & Misconduct |
| Chapter 6 | Remote Online Notarization (RON) |
Exam Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | 3-hour approved course |
| Questions | Multiple-choice (varies by provider) |
| Format | Closed-book |
| Passing Score | 80% |
| Commission Term | 5 years (indefinite for attorneys) |
Key Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Ohio resident OR Ohio-licensed attorney with principal office in Ohio |
| Background Check | BCI check, current within 6 months |
| Education | 3-hour approved course (within 12 months of application) |
| Examination | Pass with 80% (attorneys exempt) |
| Application Fee | $15 |
| Oath of Office | Required before performing notarial acts |
The Four Powers of an Ohio Notary
Ohio notaries are authorized to perform these specific acts:
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take and certify acknowledgments
- Take and certify depositions
- Receive, make, and record notarial protests
2025 Fee Structure (Updated by HB 315)
| Type of Notarization | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Traditional (in-person) | $5.00 per notarial act |
| Remote Online Notarization | $30.00 per act |
| RON Technology Fee | Up to $10.00 additional |
Important: Fees are calculated per notarial act, NOT per signature.
Ohio Notary Seal Requirements
Your seal must include:
- Great Seal of Ohio (coat of arms) in center
- "Notary Public" or similar wording
- Your name as commissioned
- "State of Ohio"
- Circular shape, 3/4 to 1 inch diameter
Key 2025 Law Changes (House Bill 315)
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| RON fee increase | $25 to $30 per act |
| Technology fee | New $10 allowance |
| Quicker discipline | No hearing required before revocation |
| Permanent bar | Revoked notaries cannot reapply |
| ID expiration | Clarified as 3 years |
On the Exam
Focus areas for your exam preparation:
- Passing score: 80%
- Commission term: 5 years (non-attorneys)
- Four powers: Know all four notarial acts
- Fee structure: $5 traditional, $30 RON
- Personal appearance: Always required
- Prohibited acts: Self-notarization, UPL, financial interest conflicts
Test Your Knowledge
What is the maximum fee an Ohio notary can charge for a traditional in-person notarial act?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
How long is an Ohio notary commission valid for non-attorney notaries?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What passing score is required on the Ohio notary examination?
A
B
C
D