Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be an Ohio resident OR a nonresident attorney licensed to practice in Ohio with principal office in Ohio
- Must not have been convicted of a disqualifying criminal offense
- Must complete approved 3-hour education course
- Must pass the notary examination with 80% or higher
Basic Qualifications for Ohio Notaries
Ohio implemented significant changes to its notary laws through House Bill 315, effective April 3, 2025, modernizing requirements under the Ohio Notary Public Modernization Act. Understanding these qualifications is essential for anyone seeking to become an Ohio notary public.
Eligibility Requirements
Ohio law establishes clear eligibility standards for notary public applicants. You must meet ALL of the following requirements:
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Residency Requirement
| Applicant Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Ohio Resident | Must be a legal resident of the State of Ohio |
| Nonresident Attorney | Must be licensed to practice law in Ohio AND have a principal office located in Ohio |
Important: Under the 2025 law changes, Ohio clarified that only Ohio residents and nonresident attorneys admitted to practice in Ohio can apply for an Ohio notary commission.
Character Requirement
You must not be disqualified from receiving a commission by having been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to a disqualifying offense. Disqualifying offenses include:
- Felony convictions
- Crimes involving dishonesty or fraud
- Crimes involving moral turpitude
- Official misconduct
Ohio Peace Officers may upload their Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Certificate in lieu of a criminal record check report.
Criminal Background Check
Before applying, you must obtain a criminal record check from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) that is:
- Current within 6 months of your application date
- Shows no disqualifying offenses
Tip: Use Code 147.022 when scheduling your BCI background check to ensure the specific disqualifying criminal offenses in Ohio notary law are covered.
Attorney Exception: Ohio-licensed attorneys are exempt from the criminal background check requirement.
Education and Examination Requirements
Mandatory Education
All applicants must complete a 3-hour education course from a Secretary of State-approved education provider.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 3 hours |
| Provider | Must be approved by Ohio Secretary of State |
| Validity | Must be completed no more than 12 months before application |
| Attorney Exception | Attorneys must complete education but are exempt from the exam |
Examination
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple-choice, closed-book |
| Passing Score | 80% |
| Provider | Same authorized provider as education |
| Attorney Exception | Ohio-licensed attorneys are exempt |
On the Exam
Expect questions about basic qualifications. Key points tested:
- Age: 18 years old
- Residency: Ohio resident OR nonresident Ohio-licensed attorney with principal office in Ohio
- Background check: Must be current within 6 months
- Education: 3-hour approved course, valid for 12 months
- Exam passing score: 80%
- Attorney exemptions: Exempt from background check and exam (but NOT education)
What is the minimum age to become an Ohio notary public?
A nonresident attorney wishes to become an Ohio notary. What additional requirement must they meet?
How current must a BCI criminal background check be when submitting a notary application?